Note: The DearEsq free 'ask a lawyer' site is offered as a free informational service to the public and is not intended as legal advice. Laws vary from state-to-state, and in addition every situation is unique, and relevant facts may not be known. The answer to the question posed below may not apply to in your state or to your situation. For legal advice in your state and your situation you should consult with an attorney in your state who is familiar with the rules and laws in your state.
If a credit reporting agency never sent you anything stating you have a debt owed to a creditor and you find it on your credit report 1 yr later, is the debt still valid?
It depends. Credit reporting agencies generally only provide credit reports and scores. Additionally, some counsel consumers on ways in which they can consolidate, reduce, or payoff their debts.
It sometimes takes awhile for certain financial information to display on your credit report. This may explain why you did not initially see the outstanding debt reflected in your credit report. Nevertheless, regardless if the debt is reflected on your credit report, you will still be held accountable for it if you agreed to repay the debt. If you have paid off the debt and you still see it reflected on your credit report, you should contact the agency to determine if there are any discrepancies with its reporting.
