My mom passed away at age 58 from cancer on December 15, 2007. My dad lives in Illinois and now cares for my deceased mother's mom who is 90 years old. They live together on what used to be our family farm. Dad works in the maintenance department at a local factory and "grammy" as we call her lives off of her S.S. check. Dad called me tonight and shared this story: It seems that prior to my mother's passing she ran up quite a bill buying Christmas Gifts, among other things, on her Mastercard. My mother was the primary account holder on this card. In January of 2008, Mastercard called and asked to speak with my mother regarding a late payment on the balance. Dad informed them that mom had passed away. Dad told them he had sent payment by check, but Mastercard stated they never received it. After condolences, they graciously allowed him to make a direct debit payment over the phone. At that time, the customer service lady mentioned to my father that she was not sure if he was still held responsible for the debt, since the primary card holder was deceased. Customer service then asked for full documentation including death certificate, etc., etc., which my dad promptly provided them. Months went by and Dad continued to pay as scheduled for the next year after mom's passing, trying to chip away at the almost $20,000.00 debt. Just recently December '08 into January '09 a new company has been calling my father stating they are now handling the remaining balance from the card (about $17,000). They called themselves "deceased card member services" and were under a different company name and from a different city. At first they stated "the entire balance is due in full." When my dad told them that was not possible the stated "well, we can set you up on a $750.00 per month payment schedule." When dad told them that was not possible they offered to take $3000.00 off the balance (now $14,000.00) if he could find a way to pay in full. (i.e. HELOC or 401K loan). I told my father ABSOLUTELY NOT! Finally, the representative asked my father if he could afford the normal monthly payment (approx. $260.00) to which my father agreed. This company also told my father that no additional interest will accrue on this debt, EVER. ???Is that true??? Can someone please tell me what my dad's legal obligations are to pay this debt, who this company may be that is now trying to negotiate the debt, and what pitfalls he should watch out for. My dad is an extremely honest and hard working man. He has struggled to stay out of bankruptcy, pay his debts and maintain his integrity his entire life. He has done that despite the loss of our family farm and his wife. Please help if you can. Thanks.
