[Shizara]

This email had me in stitches and reminded me of a similar tale regarding the collection of television licensing fees that I have seen on the internet - will look up the urls for you. - Have removed the bank name but it won't detract from the tale.

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 January, and The Bank billed her for February and March for their annual service charges on her credit card and then added late fees and interest on the monthly charge. The balance had been $0.00, now is somewhere around $60.00.

A family member placed a call to The Bank:

Family Member: 'I am calling to tell you that she died in January.'

The Bank: 'The account was never closed and the late fees and charges still apply.'

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

The Bank: 'Since it is two months past due, it already has been.'

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

The Bank: 'Either report her account to the frauds division or report her to the credit bureau, maybe both!'

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

The Bank: 'Excuse me?'

The Bank: '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 January.'

The Bank: 'The account was never closed and the late fees and charges still apply.'

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

The Bank: (Stammer) 'Are you her lawyer?'

Family Member: 'No, I'm her great nephew.' (Lawyer info given)

The Bank: 'Could you fax us a certificate of death?'

Family Member: 'Sure.' ( fax number is given )

After they get the fax:

The Bank: '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.'

The Bank: 'Well, the late fees and charges do still apply.'

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

The Bank: 'That might help.'

Family Member: ' Rookwood Memorial Cemetery,
1249 Centenary Rd,
Sydney
Plot
Number 1049.'

The Bank: 'Sir, that's a cemetery!'

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