Rebecca of Sterling VA writes (6/20/01):
My father passed away very unexpectedly on Oct. 18, 1999 at the age of 84. His estate was settled in April of 2000 in the state of West Virginia (Jefferson County). He had no debts.
When he was alive he owned a Lowe's Home Improvement credit card in his name only with a zero balance. He had paid the account off totally a month or so before he passed away. We destroyed the card immediately. In February of this year, sixteen months after he passed away, Lowe's sent a bill to him for $25.00 for a credit card protection plan effective January 2001. They were called immediately by my brother who was instructed by Lowe's to write a letter stating that Dad was deceased and had been for over a year. A letter was sent immediately.
In March 2001, another bill arrived with a $10.00 penalty added making the total $35.00. I called them about this and after a very heated discussion was told that the account had been cleared. In April another bill arrived, more penalty charges making the total $45.00. As you can tell by now the bill is up to $55.00.
Last week a couple of forms from a probate specialist from a bank in GA. representing Lowe's is demanding to know all about my father's estate, who is the executor, death certificate, name of funeral home etc. I refuse to provide this info and will not as my father did not owe them anything when he passed away, his estate was settled over a year ago. He does not need credit card protection as he no longer will incur any expenses. On June 7th, 2001, I sent them a certified letter stating this and also that death records are a matter of public record. What can I do to get them to lay off?
This has caused extreme emotional stress to my 79 yr. old mother and this is why I have been trying to handle it. The mail is coming to her address in WV. addressed to my father. Also some comes addressed to the estate of my father. Lowe's at this point doesn't know my mother exists because her name was not on the account.
Death forgives all debts. Rebecca and her mother have no obligation of any kind to Lowe's or Monogram. If they wish, they can pitch the letters in the trash. Or they can write "Deceased" and have the post office return them. We think they should add an inscription advising Monogram to go to Helen Hunt for further directions. In short, they should simply remember with fondness their departed husband and father and forget about Lowe's and Monogram.
