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Melting The Plastic Theories: Advocating The Common Law Of Fraud In Credit Card Non-Dischargeability Actions Under 11 U.S.C. § 523(A)(2)(A), Craig A. Bruens

Vanderbilt Law Review

If credit card-holders purchase items they cannot afford, they may make minimum payments and avoid default. Most people carry debt on their credit cards,' and card-issuers who profit from interest on these balances encourage consumers to carry a balance. When a debtor acquires too much debt and files for bankruptcy, the debtor may generally discharge all of his debts to gain a "fresh start." This discharge of debts completely bars creditors from collecting the money owed to them, and the resulting losses have frustrated the credit card industry.

To prevent debts from becoming uncollectible due to discharge, credit card-issuers frequently …