Short answer
In many states, yes. Debt buyers who purchase accounts and then collect on them are increasingly licensed as collection agencies or under a separate debt-buyer category, and a surety bond is often required. A few states treat passive debt buyers, who outsource all collection, differently from active buyers who collect themselves.
States have moved toward licensing the businesses that purchase charged-off accounts, not only the agencies that collect for others. Where a debt-buyer license exists, buying and then collecting on consumer debt usually triggers it. Some states distinguish a passive debt buyer, who hires a licensed third party to collect, from an active buyer who collects directly.
Because you take ownership of the accounts, the licensing question follows the consumers whose debts you bought, so a portfolio spread across states can require several licenses and bonds.
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