These Call-Centre Staff Just KILL Me!

This story was told to me by a participant in the Wealth Mechanic programme. I don't know if it's actually true, but knowing some of the experiences I've had with call-centre staff, I would not be surprised one bit:

A lady died in Dublin this past January, and a leading card provider billed her for February and March in relation to their annual service charges on her credit card, then added late fees and interest on the monthly charge.

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

A family member placed a call to the card provider. The conversation is said to have gone like this:

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

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

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

Card Provider: '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?'

Card Provider: '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 upset with her?'

Card Provider: 'Excuse me?'

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

Card Provider: 'Sir, you'll have to speak to my supervisor.' (Supervisor gets on the phone)

Family Member: 'I'm calling to tell you, my Aunty died in January.'

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

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

Card Provider: (Stammer) 'Are you her lawyer?'

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

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

Family Member: 'Sure.' (fax number is given). After they get the fax:

Card Provider: '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.'

Card Provider: 'Well, the late fees and charges do still apply.'

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

Card Provider: 'That might help.'

Family Member: ' Glasnevin Cemetery, Finglas Road, Dublin 11, Ireland, Plot Number 1049.'

Card Provider: 'Sir, that's a cemetery!'

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