Question about elderly mother credit card debt

[Anonymous]

My mother has got into credit card debt with Cap 1 and cannot pay the bill now. My mother lives with me now because she cannot take care of herself. I also have a cap 1 card. My question is since we have the same address can Cap 1 come after me for her debt? Ofcourse the phone calls have started coming. Thanks in advance.

[Creditaddict]

no, debt in her name is only hers, will not effect yours

[cobaltnv]

They can try to collect from you, but you are under no obligation to pay.

I suppose CapOne could decide to close your account/rate jack you etc. 

There was an article a few months ago in the NY Times (I think) on a very profitable collection method. These collections agents were calling relatives of recently deceased people basically guilting them into paying the debts of their relative. Surprisingly (to me), many people end up feeling guilty enough to pay.