How can I check if I have any debts
User photo

Rolan54

Inquirer

Hi, I want to make sure I’m not missing any outstanding debts in my name. Is there a way to check if I owe money to anyone, like banks, credit companies, or even old bills, without harming my credit score?

How can I check if I have any debts

Over 60 Experts in Private Investigation

Find out my debts

Your contact details (we do not send newsletters)

Answer from 

Peter Hoffman, B.Sc.

Surveillance Specialist

Hello Rolan, that’s a smart and responsible question. Many people don’t realize they might have old debts lingering in the background—unpaid bills, forgotten credit accounts, or even fraudulent debts in their name. The good news is, there are several ways to find out if you have any outstanding debts without damaging your credit score or exposing yourself to scams.

Why checking is important: Hidden debts can hurt your credit score, prevent you from getting loans, and even lead to legal action if ignored for too long. Sometimes debts stay under the radar because they’ve been sold to collection agencies or are sitting on a report you haven’t seen in years.

Here are the best steps to take:

1. Request Your Credit Report: In many countries, you’re entitled to a free credit report at least once a year from each major credit bureau (such as Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion in the U.S.). These reports list your open accounts, payment history, and any delinquent or charged-off accounts. Request it directly from the official bureau websites—avoid third-party “free” services that often upsell or collect your data.

2. Check Government Debt Databases: Some countries provide online portals where you can check for tax debts, unpaid fines, or court judgments. For example, in the U.S., states often have public records for unpaid traffic tickets or court cases tied to your name.

3. Contact Creditors and Service Providers: If you’ve changed addresses, old utility or phone bills might have slipped through the cracks. Reach out to past service providers to confirm if your account is clear. This is a common source of “surprise debts” for many people.

4. Beware of Scams: This is critical. If someone calls claiming you owe money, never pay on the spot without verification. Scammers often impersonate debt collectors. Always ask for written proof and verify the debt through official channels.

5. Professional Skip Tracing: If you suspect identity theft or want a comprehensive search for hidden obligations, professionals like me can conduct a thorough check using licensed databases that aren’t available to the public. These searches can reveal debts tied to your name that may not appear in basic online reports.

Let me share a quick example: I once had a client who kept getting denied for loans but couldn’t figure out why. We ran a full check and discovered an old medical bill that had been sold to a collection agency years earlier. It never reached his new address, so he had no idea. Once we found it, he cleared it up, and his credit score improved significantly.

If you’d like to ensure nothing is lurking in the background, we can help you with a discreet Due Diligence Check or even a comprehensive Background Check to uncover any hidden liabilities. You can also contact us here for a confidential consultation and advice tailored to your situation.

Staying on top of your financial obligations is one of the smartest moves you can make—and it’s always better to know than to be surprised later. If you want, we can start today and make sure your name is completely clear.

Is this answer helpful ?

Ask a Private investigator

By submitting  forms, you agree to the processing of your personal data in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

We are accepting new cases

Trust our Private Investigators to Uncover the Truth

Custom Footer
DET.GROUP (also known as DETGROUP)

© 2025 DET.GROUP® (also known as DETGROUP) – Europe’s modern Private investigation agency