A summary of Southern California-related business litigation developments during the past week.

Bilking charges: A North Hollywood man was indicted on federal charges of bilking more than 1,625 people nationwide out of at least $97,500 through a sham company called Goldcard Services Inc. Charles Oberman, 50, allegedly advertised in Spanish-language newspapers that, for a fee of $60, his firm could obtain VISA and MasterCard credit cards for applicants regardless of their credit rating. The indictment, which charges nine counts of mail fraud, says Oberman received the applicants’ fees from a rented mailbox in Beverly Hills for at least five months in 1988, but never obtained credit cards for the applicants. If convicted, Oberman faces a maximum prison term of five years and a $250,000 fine. (Case No. 90-921. Filed Dec. 3, 1990)