We're learning the ropes of what to do when this happens. There's so much paperwork to take care of. No one has contacted us (yet)...to come after us to pay my mom's credit bills. My brother has notified the credit card companies, I think. And I believe some asked him for a copy of the death certificate. I don't know what they do. Write if off?
If we find a windfall of money that we don't know about, we'll do the right thing.
My mother's life insurance was only enough to pay the mortuary and get her buried.
I undersrand. My sister had just barely gotten her breath back after the death of her husband, when she received a letter from Phillips and Cohen Associates (a collector of decedant debts), asking for information about his estate, which was the LAST thing she needed. I immediately wrote and mailed them a letter on her behalf informing them there was no estate as he had died penniless, she resided in a non-community property law state and was NOT responsible for the debt in question. Despite this, they began calling and calling...and calling. At her request, I blocked the number---but that did not stop them from continuing to call, ignoring her letter and hell-bent determined to collect money she did not have and was not legally obligated to pay. They finally stopped calling after a year.
Donna-- Unfortunately, there are always going to be people trolling this website assuming that all the ills of the world would be cured---if ONLY we "paid our bills"--ignoring the facts at hand and taking a perverted delight with shaming others. They have no heart, and since there is no Oz to send them to, there is no hope for them.
Take care of yourself and your family first. When they start calling ask them to send you written corresponce instead of phone calls. Don't send a death certificate, they don't need it save them for bank, life ins etc. it won't stop them but it will slow them down until you can think a little clearer.
I believe that is what I posted from the FTC as current as yesterday. It also included the info regarding common law states such as CA. Why did what I post have to be repeated?
Condolences to those of you who have lost loved ones. That is why I posted the info since we have been going through the same thing. I thought other people would need the info also since the thread was lying dormant for years.
You linked to a consumer advisory. I linked to a press release regarding a statement of policy. I made a few summary remarks. There is overlap among the writings, but it's not repetition. The two FTC documents are meant for different audiences. One, as expected, points to consumer rights. The policy statement underlines how and when decedent debt collectors are *not* liable under the FDCPA and need not fear FTC punishment.
Personally I like differing angles on a problem. If this is too redundant for you, nothing keeps you from complaining to Admin.
I am sorry to hear about the loss of your love one, I too am going through the same thing. Just take you time to sort out what is what with your love ones' matters and get names and addresses of these so called collectors and ask them for proof of debt. I am even getting these for my mom and it has been six months. I can can be hard and may make you mad but believe me it will get better. Hugs from Texas.
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