http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/07/deceasedebts.shtm
For Your Information: 07/31/2009
Who is Responsible for a Deceased Relative's Debts?
If your relative leaves unpaid debts when he or she dies, do you have to pay?
According to the Federal Trade Commission, the nation’s consumer protection agency, surviving relatives usually have no legal obligation to pay the debts of a family member who has died. Generally, that person’s estate is responsible for paying his or her debts. But if there isn’t enough in the estate to cover the debts, they typically go unpaid.
After a relative dies, debt collectors may contact family members and ask them to pay their loved ones’ debts. The rights of surviving relatives are covered by the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, which the FTC enforces. The FTC has developed a new consumer alert about this issue titled Paying the Debts of a Deceased Relative: Who Is Responsible? To learn more, go to http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/alerts/alt159.shtm.
The Federal Trade Commission works for consumers to prevent fraudulent, deceptive, and unfair business practices and to provide information to help spot, stop, and avoid them. To file a complaint in English or Spanish, visit the FTC’s online Complaint Assistant or call 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357). The FTC enters complaints into Consumer Sentinel, a secure, online database available to more than 1,500 civil and criminal law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad. The FTC’s Web site provides free information on a variety of consumer topics.
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(FYI deceased debts)
I just got a new cell phone and new number a week ago. They called once last week, 2 days after I activated my phone, and left a message for a different person. This number has called me 4 times in the last 4 days, once a day. If they are collecting a debt, I have no idea who it is for, maybe the person who used to have this number. My phone message gives my name, but they still continue to call and now without leaving a message.
I too received a call from this number. Very unorganized group of people. About a week ago, I received a called saying I had a debt that was unpaid. Some sort of cell phone bill. I asked when did this occur. She told me in 1996. I could not believe it! I asked her if she was kidding me. The company who she was calling on behalf of, I only had their service in Japan. And you have to pay your account in full there or they take it straight from your bank account all at once. And I wasn't in Japan in 1996. I also stated I have never seen this on my credit report. Which I monitor often. She told me it will not show up now, because it's been so long ago.
Then today, I received another call. The person today asked for the account holder. I asked of what. Then she verified my name. I told she had the right person. Then she hung up. And has not called back as of now.
Good luck
Somebody from RMS left a message in my voice mail. The guy cann't speak English at all. Listed to the message numerous times and still can't get his phone number.