If it was before 2016 you were probably in the clear. That's when the FAA finalized the rule set.

The problem that people run into with drones is that you can buy one from a store with zero information about the rules presented. Boxes now come with information about registering with Dronezone, which gives you some information about the recreational certificate. But even then, it's too easy to miss that it's a very limited 'fun' use only to fly under those rules. (Even posting photos/videos online on social media will potentially take you out of that recreational use situation.)