Can 2 different debt collection agencies collect same?
Matthew Harrington
Updated on February 09, 2026
Unpaid collection accounts can get sold from debt collector to another, leaving your credit report with multiple collection accounts for one debt. It is up to you to review your credit reports to make sure you do not have multiple debt collectors reporting for the same debt.
Can a creditor keep report the same debt twice?
Some debt collectors may try to report a debt on a consumer’s credit report twice. Though some consumers may have multiple debts owed to the same debt collector or creditor (which can be reported separately), each debt can only be reported one time.
What happens if my debt is sold to a collection agency?
The Use Of A Collection Agency. In order to minimize their losses, your creditor will try to collect as much as possible from you. Sending outstanding debt accounts to a business that focuses and specializes in the collection of unpaid accounts may be the best way to do so.
Can a collection agency legally put their account on my credit report?
Once a debt is sold to a collection agency, they can begin reporting that account to the credit reporting agencies. The collection agency becomes the legal owner of the debt and has the right to begin collection efforts. Once reported, both the original account and the collection account will appear on a credit report.
Can a collection agency still try to sue you?
Even if a collection agency can no longer sue you, they can still make efforts to collect the debt from you. That includes calling you, sending letters, or reporting the debt to a credit bureau if the debt is within the credit reporting time limit.
Is it better to pay a debt collector or not?
It’s worth reviewing your credit report periodically for any account collections that might not really belong to you, but if the collection is legitimately yours, it’s typically better to pay it and be done with it. A debt collector’s job is to get you to pay your debt, and they don’t make a profit unless they collect on the debt you owe.