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Off-Topic Posts
Started by jayhanig at 06-17-2010 11:30 AM. Topic has 7 replies.
  
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 06-17-2010, 11:30 AM
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jayhanig
 
Joined on 08-23-2008
Topsail Beach, NC USA
Posts 927
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Completely OT: Satellite TV Provider Hounding my Dead Dad
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I'm a little torn as to what to do here: my father had satellite TV for many years but died in early February. He was paid up until he died. Immediately after he died we disconnected the satellite receivers and went to on-air high def (free) TV.
The old provider has been calling almost on a daily basis trying to get me to pay for service since I didn't officially notify them he had died. I assumed it would be disconnected for nonpayment and possibly they'd try to ding his credit score... as if that could bother him now.
It surely doesn't bother me if they want to think of him as a deadbeat. I figure they ran up his bill knowing full well it was no longer being paid after years of never being late. Maybe they didn't believe me when I told them he was dead?
I have no idea if those receivers are still active at this point; if they are they (the provider) must just be stupid. They haven't been plugged in for months now.
I've been filtering my calls and on the rare occasion when they leave a message, I ignore it. I would like for them to go away though. Ideas? (Other than giving in to their extortion?)
Jay
82 GL500 Silverwing (naked)
Age 55
Dress for the slide.... not for the ride.
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06-17-2010, 11:53 AM
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wildmanwill
Joined on 05-25-2008
Chester County, Pennsylvania
Posts 4,034
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Re: Completely OT: Satellite TV Provider Hounding my Dead Dad
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Certain satellite providers claim that the access card is their property and must be returned upon terminating service. I understand your intentions/assumptions, but it seems like its not working out quite how you had envisioned or hoped.
I doubt they will just go away...
My concern would be is there anyway that they can put a claim in against the estate for the funds owed?
If they don't believe he is dead, couldn't you fax them some proof and then they could close the account and erase any charges that have been incurred since his passing? I'm assuming that you have some sort of power of attorney or something to act on his behalf at this point.
1983 CX650 Turbo
1982 CX500 Custom
Donating Member
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06-17-2010, 12:15 PM
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Chi-town GL
Joined on 06-09-2010
Chicago IL
Posts 62
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Re: Completely OT: Satellite TV Provider Hounding my Dead Dad
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I'm with Wildmanwill on this one. I worked for AT&T for a few months when they started U Verse. The way most of these guys work now, they need the customer's ssn to run a credit check before they will even approve you for sevice. They should have his ssn on file and if they run a credit check it will come back saying he is deceased. I would try calling back and asking them to do that or possibly faxing a copy of the death certificate. These guys can be relentless as many are independent contractors and most are pain on commission.....good luck!
82 GL500I Silverwing
79 Yamaha XS400 Special
"Everything worth knowing leaves bruises"
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06-17-2010, 1:09 PM
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chicagorandy
Joined on 05-28-2007
Chicago, IL
Posts 414
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Re: Completely OT: Satellite TV Provider Hounding my Dead Dad
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First call them back and ask them when they plan on coming to pick up their receiver or if they will be supplying a UPS call tag for the return.
Then send in the bill with a copy of the death cert. If that doesn't work, return the next bill with a change of address listing the cemetery with their address and phone number. It's what I ended up doing for a few of my mom's creditors many years ago.
As long as you are not signed on the contract you can pretty much ignore them anyway, but the steps above may eliminate the collection calls.
2003 Ural Tourist - 80,245kms to date
1982 Honda GL500 Interstate 12,800 miles since 05/30/07
"Down the highway of life at smiles per hour, with special attention to ignorant and blind cagers"
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06-17-2010, 5:00 PM
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George in Indiana
Joined on 03-03-2006
Posts 954
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Re: Completely OT: Satellite TV Provider Hounding my Dead Dad
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In my opinion paying the amount due is the moral (and possibly legal) thing to do. It wouldn't have taken you but a few minutes to cancel the service. When my mom passed away I was executor which was a full time job during a very difficult time but things simply needed to be done. If there is anything to a persons name whether through a will or intestate, you can't settle it until debts are paid....if that's the case you have no choice. Probate also requires a public notification through a newspaper ad for a certain amount of time in case the deceased owes anyone.
It's also wise to cancel all credit cards and notify the BMV because of scum who steal identities after scanning the obituaries.
CX500 TURBO
CX650 TURBO
'04 GSX1300R Hayabusa
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06-18-2010, 12:03 AM
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spanish bandit
Joined on 02-12-2009
southern spain
Posts 5,010
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Re: Completely OT: Satellite TV Provider Hounding my Dead Dad
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jay,first,sorry for your loss.i know what its like to loose one of your parents
this is my take on it...........
the legal contract/aggreement was between two parties....your dad,and the provider.
if[im assuming],he[and only him signed the contract,then,its nothing to do with you[or anyone else,for that matter]
a person who has died cannot cancel a contract,or give notice to cancel.
they have no bussiness even talking to you.
if you feel kind,send them a copy of dads death certificate....telling them respectfully to contact dad direct,or try to take him to court for non-payment....perhaps they dont believe you,perhaps its computor automated..........
either way,i would not pay them 1c
you never made the contract..........like i said,its nothing to do with you......
what would happen if the contract was for a lease on a dodge truck,,,,,what would they do?
when i feel the need,i do it,llego,ve 60,s
-----------------------------
2008.1982 honda gli silverwing [uk model ]
2010.1981 honda gli silverwing [uk model ]
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06-18-2010, 11:26 AM
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Cobram
Joined on 06-23-2007
Boston, MA
Posts 1,547
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Re: Completely OT: Satellite TV Provider Hounding my Dead Dad
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Sounds like you're dealing with a collection agency at this point, and not directly with the provider. If it is, they probably bought the "debt" for pennies on the dollar or are working on a 75% commission, so the original debtor could care less.
Bottom line, they can't collect, they'll never collect, they can't take it to court, it's too expensive to execute anyway. Next time they call, if you feel uncontrollably compelled to answer the phone, just tell them to go ..... themselves and the ship they sailed in on.
The irony in all this, is that the absolute WORSE thing you can do is communicate with these people. By even talking to them on the phone, in many states the statute of limitations restarts. You have absolutely nothing to gain by bothering with companies and people like this.
Never give them YOUR name, address, phone ect. Again, you have absolutely nothing to gain, so why do it? Fudge'm.
1978 CX500 - I live on a one-way street that's also a dead end. I'm not sure how I got here, or how I'm going to get out.
Four wheels move the body; Two wheels move the Soul.
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Honda CX500 & G... » Other Forums » Off-Topic Posts » Completely OT: Satellite TV Provider Hounding my Dead Dad
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