Is it legal for debts that occured before your 18th birthday to show up on your credit report?

Question

When I was 17, I went to the urgent care office of my hospital to have an injury looked at. We paid the co-pay, but at the time, my medical bills were sent to my father because I used his company’s insurance policy. I told him what had happened and he said okay. All of this occurred in June of 2004.

Last month, I noticed a new item on my credit report. It's the only derogatory item on my report and I don't think it belongs there. Apparently, this new account was reported by a collection agency that bought the account from another collection agency. I never received a bill from the hospital, or either collection agency. As soon as I found out about the debt, I paid it, but should it even have found its way onto my credit report if I never received a bill and the debt originated before I turned 18? If it shouldn't be there, I am going to dispute it in writing.

Answer 1

no you were a minor and it is you father's/mother's responsibility to pay for it therefore it should be on their credit not yours i would dispute it. the first place i would try to get it taken care of is at the hospital...i definately would not have paid it since it was never sent to you make sure the company you paid is legitimate too because this could have been a scam....i would be more worried that they made you the minor at the time of injury pay the bill it was not your responsibility at all

Answer 2

When I bought my house, there was an old hospital bill (from years earlier) that I didn't remember ever getting a bill from, on my credit report. I paid it off and they were happy. As long as the debt shows paid, I wouldn't worry about it too much. I don't think credit cards even look at that type of "mark"

Answer 3

First, in simple terms because some thing isn't on the credit record does no longer recommend you do not owe the debt. no longer all money owed are suggested to the credit bureaus. 2d, the Statute of limitations in elementary words limits the time even as the collector can sue you in courtroom for a judgment. you nevertheless owe the debt previous that element and they could nevertheless attempt to gather. in the journey that they attempt to sue for a judgment, be particular you seem in courtroom and argue the SoL. deliver a letter to the series company (qualified, go back receipt requested) inquiring for them to quit contacting you as is your suitable lower than the honest Debt series Act. in the journey that they proceed to the contact you after that element, record the series company to the FTC. do no longer make any grants to them - that's accessible that a promise to pay can restart the SoL clock.

Answer 4

Debts are debts, regardless of how old you were when you incurred them.

However, in this case, where the debt was sold, where you didn't receive notification, and where you have satisfied the debt, I'd definitely dispute it. Point out that you were 17, and ask that it be removed from your credit report.

Answer 5

Wow crazy. Keep in mind, if you owed someone money, and they didn't get it - they're going to want their money.

Surprised it would have turned up on your credit score (not that i really know much about credit - considering once you turn 18, you're only THEN, able to apply for credit). I would have thought it would have showed up from your dad, b/c his insurnace policy approved it all. You shouldnt have a dent in your credit on you're 18th bday - after that good luck to us all!

Answer 6

Yes, now you got to pay the bill, or it will end up as more debt.

Answer 7

Hospital corporation is bigger than you.

Answer 8

yes