Is it legal for one creditor to place the debt with two agencies at the same time?

Yes, a creditor can place the same debt with multiple collection agencies simultaneously, but they must ensure that they comply with the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). Each agency must be informed that the debt is being handled by others, and they cannot mislead or harass the debtor. However, this practice can lead to confusion for the debtor and potential legal issues if not managed properly.