HELP!! How can I stop the bleeding?!?

[ArmyStrong]

I am/was an AU on my deceased mother's Chase CC. Currently listed on the CRA as bad debt/collection. I haven't received any correspondence from the OC or CA. Last activity 7/09 date closed not reported. 120 days late, last 9 months and counting. No proceeds to CCC's from her estate (to my knowledge there was no estate, unless I'm just ignorant to the terminology). My question, I guess, is do I have to actually pay this debt or do I have any recourse? This is driving me crazy (not to mention my scores! [still +2 points in the last 2 weeks]), please advise.

Having trouble pasting, but:

Balance - $3,968

Current Status - Bad debt/collection

Past Due Amount - $3,968

Status as of  - Aug 2009

Date Opened - Dec 2006

Date of last activity - Jul 2008 (she passed away Jun 2008)

Date Closed - Not Reported

Account holder - Authorized User

Account closed at consumer's request  (???)

Charged off account

30 days late - 1x

60 days late - 1x

90 days late - 1x

120 days late - 10x

[marty56]

As an AU you dont have to pay the debt.  There are experest here on what to do with being an AU on an account that is in bad standing.

[Anonymous]

Marty is correct, you aren't responsible for the debt so you don't need to worry about Chase or a collection agency trying to get money from you.  What I would suggest is to call Chase and find out if you are still considered an AU.  If you are, then ask to be removed.  Chase typically will delete the TL from your credit reports, although sometimes they don't and you'll have to dispute them.

[ArmyStrong]

Whew! Thanks Marty. At least that's a temporary relief.

Sounds easy enough, Bruce. Guess that's where I'll start. Thanks!

[ArmyStrong]

UPDATE

Went ahead and DV'd Chase AU account w/TU and EQ (did it through freecreditreport before I noticed the post about doing it through the free report gives them 45 days to respond). EQ took one week and it was deleted; TU took 1 day, and it was deleted!  TU score jumped 31 points to 619, and EQ score leaped 77 points to 608!!! This was all literally w/in two weeks time (I waited for EQ to come back before I did TU)! Forget 620, I'm goin for 7!!!