Removal of a collection can occur for two different reasons.
It can either become excluded based on the time since DOFD, which is done by the CRA and not the debt collector, or it can be reported as a deletion by the debt collector.
The CRAs monitor time since DOFD, and exclude at approx 7 years from DOFD.
Removal at five years is not likely to be as a result of credit report exclusion by the CRA.
It is more likely a result of reporting by the debt collector instructing the CRA to delete.
Deletion by a debt collector could occur based on the debt collector no longer having collection authority, such as by termination of assignment from the creditor, or if the debt collector owned the debt, their sale of the debt to another party.
If a new debt collector than acquires collection authority, they can then report, adding their collection back to your report.
If unsure whether the debt collector reported deletion, you can call them and ask.
