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nursing home dad debt ACS

Date: Tue, 10/17/2006 - 08:00

Submitted by macbeth1214
on Tue, 10/17/2006 - 08:00

Posts: 3 Credits: [Donate]

Total Replies: 6


I have started receiving calls from ACS regarding credit card debt belonging to my father. My sister is getting calls as well because she still uses her maiden name. Our father is very old and ill and resides in a nursing home, and is close to running out of money, so there is no way he can pay this debt. So far I've ignored the calls thanks to caller id, but it is getting annoying. Would they leave me alone if I told them the truth, or try to hit me up for the debt? It is my understanding that I am not responsible for this. I hold POA for Dad, and my name is on his checking to be able to pay bills, but I have nothing to do with the credit cards other than making the choice to stop paying when he went into the nursing home. Any light you can shed would be appreciated!
mac


No you can not be made to pay your dad's debts. Does he receive SSI or SSDI? Because if he is receiving government disability they can not garnish this check. I would just tell them the truth that he is severely ill and now residing in a nursing home, I wouldn't tell them which one, they may start harassing him there. And then just leave it at that. If they start harassing you and your sister send them a cease and desist letter telling them to stop calling you.


lrhall41

Submitted by WHEREAMI? on Tue, 10/17/2006 - 08:04

( Posts: 5263 | Credits: )


Thanks for the quick reply. Dad's only income is from Social Security and VA Disability, and his monthly cost to live where he is amounts to about double what comes in. He had some savings but that's nearly gone and we're filing for Medicaid. From my own dealings with another collections agency when my identity was stolen, I know they're just plain rude and really don't care about the sad stories, so I've just ignored the calls. Now they are calling pretty early, so I may have to answer. I just don't want it getting worse once they know they have a valid contact.


lrhall41

Submitted by macbeth1214 on Tue, 10/17/2006 - 08:14

( Posts: 3 | Credits: )


Once your dad's savings is under $1500 then he should qualify for Medicaid, and I know they can not garnish government disability checks unless it is for child support. Which he obviously does not owe. Definately send them a cease and desist phone contact letter and explain the situation in the letter, I wouldn't mention that you are his POA, just mention you are his daughter and they are not to contact you again.


lrhall41

Submitted by WHEREAMI? on Tue, 10/17/2006 - 08:19

( Posts: 5263 | Credits: )


So it would be best to not answer their calls but write the C&D letter instead? AFter reading all of the entries on this site regarding these scumbags, I truly don't want to give them the pleasure of speaking with me! I wouldn't mention the POA, but does my having that make me more of a target? I really didn't want the responsibility, but my siblings wouldn't do it and I live nearest Dad and he wasn't taking care of himself after Mom died.


lrhall41

Submitted by macbeth1214 on Tue, 10/17/2006 - 09:05

( Posts: 3 | Credits: )


I wouldn't tell them your the POA, they might use that to threaten you and say you are legally responsible for paying the bill. Send the cease and desist letter and if they continue to call you then sue them because they are breaking the law. Send the letter certified with return receipt as proof they got the letter, also fax it and save the confirmation page.


lrhall41

Submitted by WHEREAMI? on Tue, 10/17/2006 - 09:25

( Posts: 5263 | Credits: )