I think I should make a note to cancel all my credit cards before dying. It's very important, customer service being what it is today, to avoid leaving behind complications & problems for whoever needs to handle legacy or debts. The following is a true case demonstrating the importance of such precaution. 

 

A lady dies this last January, and her bank billed her for February and March for their annual service charges on her credit card, adding late monthly charges and interest. The balance had been $0,00, now is somewhere around $60,00. A family member placed a call to the Bank:

Family member: 'I am calling to tell you that she died in January.'

Bank: 'The account was never closed and the late fees and charges still apply.'

FM: 'Maybe you should turn it over to Collections?'

B: 'Since it's 2 months past due, it already has been.'

FM: 'So, what would they do if they find out she is dead?'

B: 'Either report her account to the Frauds Division or report to the Credit Bureau, maybe both.'

FM: 'Do you think God will be angry at her?'

B: 'Excuse me?'

FM: 'Did you get what I was just telling you ... the part about her being dead?'

B: 'Sir, you will have to my speak to my supervisor.'

Supervisor comes on the phone ~

 

FM: 'I am calling to tell you she died in January.'

Super: 'The account was never closed, the fees and charges still apply.'

FM: 'You mean you want to collect from her Estate?'

Super: '(Stammer) Are you her lawyer?'

FM: 'No, I am her nephew. (lawyer info. given)

Super: ' Could you fax a certificate of death?'

FM: Sure. (Fax number given)

After they got the Fax ~

 

B: 'Our system just isn't set up for death. I don't know what more I can do to help.'

FM: 'Well, if you figure it out, great! If not, you could just keep billing her, I don't think she will care.'

B: 'Well, the late fees and charges do still apply.'

FM: 'Would you like her new billing address?'

B: 'That might help.'Fm: 'Rookwood Memorial Cemetery, 1249 Centenary Road, Sidney, Plot no. 1049.'

B: 'Sir, that's a cemetery!'

FM: 'Well, what the **** do you do with dead people on your planet?'

 

Tags: bankcharges, creditcards

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