Michael Jackson accused of bank fraud

Michael Jackson allegedly used 20 aliases to apply for bank loans.

The late singer - who died from a suspected cardiac arrest last week - reportedly used several variations of his name because his credit history was so poor and financial institutions were reluctant to give him money.

In 2007, the ‘Thriller’ singer - who was raised in the Jehovah’s Witness faith - allegedly applied for loans under the names President Mr Michael Jackson, Michael JJJ Christ-Jehovah, Michael J Jackson ChristJeh, Michael Jackson Jehovah and Mike J Jackson.

He also reportedly used alternative spellings of Michael - Micheal and Micheel - in a bid to trick bank managers.

According to Britain’s The Sun newspaper, leaked financial documents linked to some of Michael’s properties show the failed applications.

It is illegal to give a false name to a financial institution for money for the purpose of influencing the bank’s decision and anyone found guilty could face fines of $1 million, 30 years in prison or both.

Despite being one of the most successful musicians of all time, Michael has struggled financially in recent years and was reportedly desperate for monetary help.

A source said: "Michael Jackson’s financial affairs were beyond a mess with county court judgments and taxes owed all over the place. No bank was prepared to bail him out."