Original creditor assigned new Collections Agency, but previous CA account still reporting?

[forumsdweller]

Had an account with T-Mobile that went passed due last year. I've been trying to fix my credit but then I was made aware that Frontline Asset Strategies was reporting collections on my Transunion report. Their initial letter mailed to me informed that it was for a past due balance from T-Mobile. No problem, I'll pay it once I have the funds and reach out.

I was under the impression that T-Mobile sold their debt to a CA, I've been saving enough funds to pay it off and eventually would contact FSA, but got a call from Credence Resource Management inquiring about the same debt. I asked for verification of the debt to be sent to my email, they said they would send something to my mailing address but were being pushy for me to settle the account now. I asked for clarification if they bought the debt from T-Mobile, they said they are acting on their behalf and have not bought the debt. I swear the last letter T-Mobile sent me months ago stated that they sold it. I told the CA I'd reach out soon and was able to get off the call in good terms, promising to call back.

I checked my credit report, and I see no new collections account being reported,  but the FSA on my Transunion is still being reported on there. If I don't pay it off soon, will another collections be reported on my credit? What will happen to the collections account reported by FSA, does it have to be deleted now that a new CA is representing T-Mobile?

I have two possible routes I'd like to follow:

I was informed that I should reach out to T-Mobile and pay them directly to get the collections pulled. I'm sure I'll have to pay the full amount, but that's fine with me.

My other potential route is to pay Credence the settlement amount they offered, which is significantly less than the full balance. My contingencies to follow this option depends on whether Credence will not report a new collections account after I pay and that FSA will have to remove their collections from my report since they no longer represent T-Mobile.

What should I do?

[FireMedic1]

Welcome @forumsdweller 

I always say. Walk in a real T-Mobile store. Not some franchise. Heres your money. Please recall the collection agency that you've been paid. If that doesnt work then send a cashiers check certified to FSA. Beat the other one. Isnt listed yet.

[forumsdweller]

But FSA isn't representing T-Mobile anymore. I talked with T-Mobile support on Twitter and they confirmed Credence is the agency representing them now. Wouldn't I just be throwing money away sending it to FSA?

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@FireMedic1 wrote:

Welcome @forumsdweller 

I always say. Walk in a real T-Mobile store. Not some franchise. Heres your money. Please recall the collection agency that you've been paid. If that doesnt work then send a cashiers check certified to FSA. Beat the other one. Isnt listed yet.

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[FireMedic1]

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@forumsdweller wrote:

But FSA isn't representing T-Mobile anymore. I talked with T-Mobile support on Twitter and they confirmed Credence is the agency representing them now. Wouldn't I just be throwing money away sending it to FSA?

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@FireMedic1 wrote:

Welcome @forumsdweller 

I always say. Walk in a real T-Mobile store. Not some franchise. Heres your money. Please recall the collection agency that you've been paid. If that doesnt work then send a cashiers check certified to FSA. Beat the other one. Isnt listed yet.

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Ok then. Go to the store first and offer to pay it off and have them recall it. Only way T-Mobile wont take your money is because they sold it to a CA. Most of the time they dont.

[forumsdweller]

Okay that's what I plan to do. I definitely don't want T-Mobile selling the account. But if T-Mobile refuse, should I pay the settlement option to Credence, the new CA? Will Credence report a new collections account on my report if I pay through them? Should I dispute my collections account with FSA since they no longer represent T-Mobile?

[FireMedic1]

Once you go to the store. If they dont it own it. They should tell you. Ask them who has the collection authority. Pay them.