Follies of the Madmen #457

Hard nosed but true. When I’ve settled the affairs of deceased relatives, I’ve gotten the halfhearted “I’m sorry for your loss” line more times than I can count. I know it’s something the CSRs are told they have to say, but I wish they’d save their breath and get down to fixing my problem.

Same here, Brian. When my mother died some ten years ago a collections company bought the account that she had outstanding with a credit card company within a few days of her death. I found it annoying that she hadn't cooled to room temperature and someone was calling for what was owed. There was no money in her estate so I didn't worry too much about it. But the number of calls received was unbelievable. One CSR from the collection company actually asked me if I didn't feel obligated to at least pay something. I flatly said "no" and hung up.

After all the bank consolidations of the past dozen years or so, creditors in many cases can't show the debtors original signature opening accounts. Without that, many cases for repayment are un-enforceable in court.