diff --git a/code/modules/events/pirates.dm b/code/modules/events/pirates.dm
index c55413f52e..0dc4ea1b02 100644
--- a/code/modules/events/pirates.dm
+++ b/code/modules/events/pirates.dm
@@ -21,7 +21,7 @@
 	startWhen = 60 //2 minutes to answer
 	var/datum/comm_message/threat_msg
 	var/payoff = 0
-	var/payoff_min = 20000
+	var/payoff_min = 1000
 	var/paid_off = FALSE
 	var/pirate_type
 	var/ship_template