How Long Before Collections

• The length of time a creditor reports an account to collections depends on the creditor. According to consumer advocate group NEDAP, medical providers are some of the quickest to send outstanding accounts to collections, while credit card companies take a longer time to report an account after no payment has been made.
  
  

In-House Collector or Debt Buyer

• Just because a debt is in collections does not mean that you can't pay the original creditor. The debt may be held by an in-house collector within that company. If the debt has gone on for longer without payments, the debt has probably been sold to a debt buyer -- perhaps for pennies on the dollar.
  
  

How to Find Out

• Contact the original creditor with the account information. If they still have access to your account, then they probably still own the account. If they cannot access the information, your account was probably sold. When in doubt, ask the original creditor if you can send a payment to them.
  
  

If You Pay the Creditor

• If the debt buyer owns the account, the original creditor does not have an account with you. They may either return the money to you, or they may forward it on to the debt buyer. Collectors and creditors sometimes lose money, so be careful whom you pay, and document your payment with proof such as canceled checks or money order receipts.