Debt Problems

What is the safest most accurate way to find out about past debt?

I'm thinking I have some debt that is unpaid from years ago. I have not received any other bills in the mail. But know that I have small debts out there. What is the safest best way to find that information out so I can pay them?

Public Comments

1. Check your credit reports. It'll list all of your accounts including account numbers and creditor contact information. Visit www.annualcreditreport.com.
2. freecreditreport.com just like the commercial says. the commercial with the guy driving and singing about how he should have checked his credit.
3. You can get 1 free credit report a year. That is the best way to get your report. Contact them directly- don't go through anyone else to obtain your credit. DON'T go to freecreditreport.com- it's only free if you sign up for their credit monitoring program. Go to http://www.annualcreditreport.com
4. A credit report.
5. Check your credit report. It should list every account linked to your name and will show any outstanding debts. This is also a good chance to close any old or forgotten accounts. By law, you may request one free credit report from each of the three major reporting agencies - Transunion, Experian, and Equifax - each year. It's best to spread out the requests, so you can see how your credit evolves throughout the year. You will have to pay a small fee, about $8, to view your credit score, but be careful not to get sucked into any other promotion or "free" offer that quietly charges you $20 a month after the trial period. These programs can be helpful but are generally unnecessary.