Mother In Law Opened Credit Cards And Possibly Utilities In Husband’s Name

Location: New York

Hi all, (25f) from upstate New York here. When my (28m) Husband and I began dating over 5 years ago he had just discovered his mom opened up credit cards under his name and using his social security number that she didn’t pay, his credit was in the 400s. He got her to close the accounts and “promised” to never do it again. We are now trying to buy a house, as we got married last year and have been living with my parents to save, and the financial officer alerted us that he has accounts (including a utility one) that have gone to collections, totaling over $2,000 and has 4 open credit cards. I only know of 2 credit cards he has open (he was actually proud to open them and be able to pay them off each month to build his credit, after his mom wrecked it so badly).

Unfortunately this woman is beyond the point of a conversation. I won’t put all their drama on here, but she’s not a good person (only 1 of her 4 kids speak to her). At this point, I know we should file a police report, but would that clear the collections or would someone have to pay? I know she doesn’t have the money to pay and I’m really worried about this delaying us from buying a home.

I’m also open to suing if that’s an option. She has caused so much damage over literally a decade, he has lost so many opportunities because of her. Right now we don’t speak to her, so I’m not worried about hurting her feelings.

Any advice would be great, and any insight from personal experience would be great.