Don't forget to cancel your credit cards before you die

[maviczap]

Not sure if this is a true story, picked it up on my campervan forum

Still made me chuckle.

Ich hoffe dis is nicht's ein Furhrer post


CANCEL YOUR CREDIT CARD BEFORE YOU DIE ....... JUST PRICELESS

Reported in the Newcastle Evening Chronicle U.K. recently:


Be sure and cancel your credit cards before you die! This is so priceless. And so easy to see happening - customer service, being what it is today!

A lady died this past September, and MBNA bank billed her in October and November for their annual service charges on her credit card, and then in December added late fees and interest on the monthly charge.


The balance that had been £0.00, now is somewhere around £60.00.

A family member placed a call to the MBNA Bank:

Family Member: 'I am calling to tell you that my grandma died in September.'

MBNA : 'But the account was never closed and so the late fees and charges still apply.'

Family Member: 'Maybe, you should turn it over to your collections section.'

MBNA : ‘Since it is two months over due, it already has been.'

Family Member: ‘So, what will they do when they find out she is dead?'

MBNA : 'Either report her account to the Frauds Department or report her to The Credit bureau, maybe both!'

Family Member: 'Do you think God will be mad at her?'

MBNA : 'Excuse me?'

Family Member: 'Did you just get what I was telling you . . The part about her being dead?'

MBNA: 'Sir, you'll have to speak to my supervisor.'


Supervisor gets on the phone:

Family Member: 'I'm calling to tell you, she died in September.'


MBNA: 'But the account was never closed and the late fees and charges still apply.'

Family Member: 'You mean you want to collect from her estate?'

MBNA: (Stammer) 'Are you her solicitor?'

Family Member: 'No, I'm her grandson'

MBNA: 'Could you fax us a death certificate?'

Family Member: 'Sure.'

( fax number is given )

After they get the fax:

MBNA: 'Our system just isn't set up for death. I don't know what more I can do to help.'

Family Member: 'Well, if you figure it out, great! If not, you could just keep billing her. I don't think she will care.'

MBNA: 'Well, the late fees and charges will still apply.'

Family Member: ‘Would you like her new billing address?'

MBNA: 'That would help.'

Family Member: ' Plot 1049.' Heaton Cemetary, Heaton Road , Newcastle upon Tyne

MBNA: 'But, that's a cemetery!'

Family Member: 'Well, what the f*** do you do with dead people on your planet?'

The MBNA were not available for comment when a reporter from the Newcastle Evening Chronicle rang them.

[Bri w]

Sadly all too believeable. We experienced similar when both parents died. Some organisations are great and train their staff well, whilst others are clueless and seem to think its a subject best ignored.

Having been executor for two last year plus being involved in another two as well NOTHING surprises me regarding banks, councils or pension companies. The one that had me tearing what little hair I have left out was the other parties solicitors and estate agents in two house sales.
Questions like --"I know it is stated and confirmed as a public right of way but are we allowed to use it"

[andrewsmith]

Haha

Not suprised neither.

[TamSV]

Originally Posted by maviczap

Not sure if this is a true story,

For a story purporting to be from Newcastle it's got a hint of Americanism about it for me. Feels like it's been recycled with a few details changed to Anglicise it.

I wouldn't be surprised if there was some truth in it though.

There's certainly an American version that's been going around since at least 2003. Exactly the same story, just a different bank:

http://www.snopes.com/business/bank/deadcard.asp

[maviczap]

Aye I was a bit sceptical, still I found it funny & sad

I had a similar experience with Orange the other week when they tried to sell me Broadband, when I've only just gone over to Sky.

The guy was reading from a script and obviously did hear me say I was tied into my current contract for a year!

And dont forget to claim back your ppi back too

[andrewsmith]

haha

Well this is the North East and a chemical spill at a school makes the news (Its was what we used to do there when bored)

http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/north...2703-30392262/

Originally Posted by andrewsmith

haha

Well this is the North East and a chemical spill at a school makes the news (Its was what we used to do there when bored)

http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/north...2703-30392262/

I love the priceless bit of education tacked on at the end

"Bromine is found naturally in the earth’s crust and in seawater in various chemical forms."

Because that's completely relevant to the story