Ex-Spouse is Ruining Credit

From Ohio

My ex-wife continues to haunt me. We've been divorced for several years. She can't hold down a job and moves frequently. Unbeknownst to me, she's had a few utility accounts in my name. I paid off her gas bill four years ago just so I could have heat in my new apartment. Now her unpaid electric bill has recently shown up on my credit report. A few years ago she obtained a credit card in my mother's name; maxed it at 10k and made only a few payments. My mom paid off the account and the ex is making payments directly to her (this was a tool my mom used to help me get custody of my child).

This woman is a cancer in my life! I don't have money for an attorney. I don't want her using my last name anymore. Is there a way I can force her to go back to her maiden name? How can I look into her previous and current activity to make sure my name, social security number, etc. aren't being used?

Thanks.

[Edited by Angus on 01-19-2001 at 03:56 AM]

I am a law school graduate. What I offer is mere information, not to be construed as forming an attorney client relationship.

There are a few place you can start that might be able to help you:


1. Start an investigation for fraudulent charges/identity theft with each of the three main credit reporting agencies.


2. Contact consumer credit counseling in your area or use a link below. Many of them offer legal aid to help fight such bogus activity on your account to help you with your credit.
[url]http://www.nfcc.org/[/url]

3. Try [url]http://www.attorneypages.com.[/url] Many of their attorneys offer free consultations.

Angus, just read your problem, i know exactly how you feel i have an ex who is ruining my life after being divorced for 8 years. i have hired attorneys and everything she always seems to come out on the winning end. i feel for you and i wish you luck. i hope someone gives you good advice on how to handle them. i do know that a woman locally fraudulently obtained credit in someone elses name and now she is going to jail over it. Did you turn your ex in for credit card fraud? keep a journal on all the mishaps. it may come in handy one day. Good luck.