Bankruptcy can help you get out from under a crushing debt load, get you a fresh start, and make life better for you. But there are rules that need to be followed, because a failure to do so can result in your losing your fresh start and get you into a lot of trouble! The simplest way to do this is to commit bankruptcy fraud.
But how are these frauds committed? Here are a few ways:
- Hiding Property. This is the biggest way to commit fraud. You don't want the trustee to sell it, so you don't list it or list it with a grossly deflated value, so as to fit within the limits of an exemption. This includes transferring an asset to someone and not disclosing it. This also goes for sources of income, as you may have the financial wherewithal to enter into a debt repayment plan, but don't want to, so you understate your income or overstate your expenses.
- Giving False Statements. A bankruptcy petition is a statement made under oath, like an affidavit. When you sign it, you are swearing to its accuracy. So if you misrepresent or omit a fact, that is fraud.
- Understating Income. Not reporting the income from that second job or small business on the side? Not showing all the overtime on your main job
- Filing Multiple Times. There are limits in bankruptcy law on the number of times you can wipe out debts in bankruptcy. So using a false name or Social Security number, or filing in a different state, to get around this is another kind of fraud.
What is the penalty for bankruptcy fraud? The fine is up to $250,000, plus a prison sentence of up to five years! This is in addition to a denial of discharge of your debt, which means you will never be able to get rid of it!
So What Do I Do?
If you live in southern New Jersey and are considering filing bankruptcy, please feel free to call me at 856-432-4113 or contact me through this site for a free consultation in my Woodbury office to discuss your case.
If you are looking for more information about bankruptcy, then download my free book,Top Questions People Ask About Filing Bankruptcy in New Jersey.
