Someone hooked a cell phone up in my dads name and all of the sudden, dad started getting People magazine in Spanish. My dad was never able to speak spanish and would never have ordered a subscription to People. He was for all practical purposes deaf as a stump and never had a cell phone.
Dad lived in a nursing home for 3 years and as far as I know, didnt have any left over bills. He was on Public Aid and never had any money. Am I in any way obliged to pay these bills the bill collector is sending every day?
2006-11-20 18:09:55 · 11 answers · asked by happydawg 6 in Business & Finance ➔ Credit
Oh yeah, I forgot to say the bill collector knows dad died and they are sending the bills to me because I took care of his "estate" which consisted of nothing. They even apologize for his passing. I didnt have power of attorney or anything. I just looked after him because he was confused and wasnt able to take care of himself.
2006-11-20 18:21:29 · update #1
Sorry to hear that Dawg.
You have a crappy deal on your hands. For sure they're harassing you. You have rights and can probably sue them. But all you really want is for them to go away. I'd call the Better Business Bureau and report them. I'd call The Department of Consumer Affairs and see what your rights are. Good luck!
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2006-11-20 18:19:20 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
They can sue the estate for the money in probate court but it does not necessarily mean that they will win. The cost to them will be much greater than any benefit they would receive. The best bet is to call each credit bureau and fax them a copy of your dad's death certificate. This will prevent new accounts from being opened and should limit (even further) any liability that you would face as executor.
1.) Equifax: 1-800-525-6285
2.) Experian (formerly TRW): 1-888-397-3742
3.) Trans Union: 1-800-680-7289
4.) Social Security Administration (fraud line): 1-800-269-0271
2006-11-20 19:37:15 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Provide the bill collectors with a copy of your dad's death certificate, and they'll drop it. Also, report to the credit bureaus this information and put a hold on all 3 credit agencies, which will stop the continued intrusion.
I'm so sorry that you have to deal with this after your father's passing.
2006-11-20 18:14:22 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
No, you are not responsible for another person's debt unless you have guarantee them or agree to an assignment of such debts. You are not privy to the contract of another and there is therefore no legal nexus making you obliged to such debt unless you agree to them. So tell the Bill Collectors to get stuffed and if they persist call in the police or take a suit for an injunction against them.
2006-11-20 18:17:30 · answer #4 · answered by ancalagon2003 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Just throw the bills away, no need to even talk to the bill collectors. You aren't obligated to pay the bills, you aren't obligated to tell them your Dad has died.
2006-11-20 18:27:25 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
My husband expired four years ago and I would get bills in his name, I started returning them stating his address change and putting the address of the cemetery along with the plot number as though it was the apt #, I even went so far as to list it as follows: Mr. John Doe 123 Golden Lane - GODS, Heaven 12345.
I did this because he paid for everything prior to passing on to prevent people attacking me and I loved him even more for doing so. That made it possible to care for our daughter without distractions.
2006-11-20 18:23:24 · answer #6 · answered by Mother Nature_1 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A bill collector cannot legally harrass you. Look up the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act....then quote it when they contact you and they will run with their tail between their legs!
2006-11-20 18:13:02 · answer #7 · answered by tryinthis2 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You don't have to held any responsibilities for anything. Haha, here's a tip: If they still harrassing you, give them your dad's cemetery address and ask them to send the letter to your dad's cemetery. Sorry if this offense you, but i think that's a good way to deal with those collectors.
2006-11-20 18:52:50 · answer #8 · answered by a9113257311 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
hi,,, no sir,, you have no legal obligation to pay any debt of your father... if he left no will , you really dont have to have his estate probated if he had nothing to leave, property or money..
Tell the bill company to take it up with him, write on the bill,, change of address,,, and put the cemetery he is buring in as his address.... they will quit senting them...
good luck
2006-11-20 18:27:25 · answer #9 · answered by eejonesaux 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are not responsible for your deceased Father's bill. Tell them to leave you alone.
2006-11-20 18:15:28 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋