Credit Card “Bustouts” May Be Sign of Bankruptcy Fraud

Credit identity theft doesn’t start and stop with a single credit card account that can be closed, with all fraudulent charges dismissed. Severe cases of identity theft can go much deeper, with thieves establishing new accounts in your name, running up a significant amount of debt in a short amount of time (known as credit card “bustouts”), and then filing for bankruptcy. With purchases and cash advances in hand, he/she moves on to the next victim, leaving your credit history in shambles. You are the one who will have to clean up the mess. If you suddenly find yourself being turned down for a loan or credit account, get a copy of your credit report and review it. If you find that a bankruptcy has been filed in your name, determine where the bankruptcy was filed and write to the U.S. Trustee in that region. A list of U.S. Trustee Programs’ Regional Offices is available online or check your phone book under U.S. Government Bankruptcy Administration. In your letter to the U.S. Trustee office, include information about the identity theft and submit documentation to prove your identity. If your documentation substantiates your ID theft claim, the U.S. Trustee will then make a criminal referral to law enforcement authorities. No legal representation or advice is available so you may have to hire an attorney to present your case to the bankruptcy court. In addition to filing your claim with the US Trustee office, you can file a complaint with the U.S. Attorney and the FBI in the city where the bankruptcy was filed.