Credit card applications in my name - but not by me!

rednblue

I have just found out that my wife (who ran off a month ago, leaving me with 2 kids) applied for, and has been using several credit cards & catalogues in my name. Unfortunately, for me, she has managed to run up massive debts across them all and now I am being chased for payments (bailiffs etc).
Any ideas on how I can go about clearing my name & getting the debts transferred into her name? Its a clear case of fraud/identity theft - but if she's forged my signature on applications what can I do?

molerat

Infom the police and the companies that the applications were fraudulent and let them deal with it.

Tixy

I agree you have to inform the police to get anywhere with this.

Then if anyone chases you just write informing them what has happened and providing the crime number.

You mention baliffs - baliffs can only be used if there are CCJs on the debts - so you may want to check your credit report to see if any CCJs have been issued.
Also you might want to register with CIFAS to make sure she doesn't take out any more in your name.

sillystudent_2

Yep what everyone else said is right - you have to get the police involved, otherwise there is zero chance of getting out of paying the debt. To be fair to the credit card companies, it makes sense - otherwise everyone would just say that a friend/spouse had taken out debts in their name to wriggle out of paying. On the other hand, if it's reported as fraudulent, it's 99% likely you won't have to pay.

The problem is obviously whether you want your wife to be in trouble with the law - if this is a dilemna you'll have to think hard, because the choice is either a) her having to face up to her crimes or b) you paying off the debt. There've been quite a few stories of people on here whose sibling/parent have taken out credit fraudulently in their name, but they've unfortunately been left to carry the can and pay off the debt, as they didn't want to report them to the police

It's something only you can decide - from the sound of it your wife's behaviour has been completely morally reprehensible (i don't know the circumstances of her leaving you, but I can say there's absolutely no excuse for fraudulently taking credit out in your name!)

Hope this helps

rednblue

Thanks for the advice. Actually popped to CAB today & they basically said the same thing.
Now to try & get the tax office to divert all credits & benefits to my account rather than hers!

Mr.Mulla

After informing the local authorities, you may also need to seek the advice of a lawyer and consider suing your wife to recover the money but because of the bankruptcy, this may not be fruitful. Also, you need to send out letters to the credit card companies explaining your wife's activities and that you have no permission to make any of these transactions.