While most major lenders and creditors report to at least one of the credit reporting agencies, there is no requirement to report, and not all companies do. Therefore, it is possible to owe a debt that does not appear on any of your credit reports.
Even if a debt was reported but has been removed because of the seven year reporting limit, it may still be collected. The statute of limitations for collecting a debt varies by state and is not and does not always match the amount of time that a debt can appear on your credit report.
You also should be aware that simply because a debt does not appear on your reports currently doesn’t mean that it won’t be reported in the future. Some collection agencies may not report the debt right away. Also, if the creditor decides to file suit against you in court, it’s likely the court judgment would end up on your report under Public Record information.
Some debt collection agencies contact consumers with the same or similar name in their efforts to track down the debtor. If you are unsure of the debt they say you owe, you should request additional information in writing. If you are requesting something they are unable to provide, you may wish to contact the original creditor directly and inquire with them.
If the original debt still appears in your credit report, and they are reported accurately with a status of “charged off”, you owe the debts.
The bottom line is that whether or not a debt appears on your credit report does not affect its legitimacy or the creditor’s right to collect.
DMCC is a 501 (c)3 nonprofit organization committed to educating consumers on financial issues and providing personal assistance to consumers who have become overextended with debt. Education is provided free of charge to consumers, as well as personal counseling to identify the best options for the repayment of their debt. To speak to a certified credit counselor, call toll-free 866-618-3328 or email contact@dmcconline.org.DMCC is located at 1330 SE 4th Ave, Suite F, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316.
Article retrieved from Experian