Collectors vs. Original Creditor

It depends if the creditor has actually sold it or not.

Sometimes the original creditor "hires" a collection agency to collect on that debt. They still own the account but have simply outsourced the collections. In that case, you may be able to contact the OC and deal directly with them.

More often than not, the creditor "sells" your account to collection agency. In this event, the CA has bought your balance and they are "in charge" of it. When this happens, the OC has washed their hands of the account and will no longer be able to accept payments.

Often when a creditor outsources, it is done so under contract. This means that the collecction agency gets paid no matter where the payment is sent. Most creditors dont want to pay their staff and a CA for the same work so they most often elect to make you work with the collection agency....you do not have a choice not to elect to work with a CA.