Dealing with customer service at large companies can sometimes be a challenging task. A man found himself in a peculiar situation when his aunt passed away, yet the bank continued to issue bills in her name. His unique approach to resolving this issue with the bank is both surprising and hilarious.
In January, my aunt passed away. Despite this, CitiBank proceeded to charge her monthly service fees for her credit card in February and March. They didn’t stop there; late fees and interest were also tacked on to these charges… (the account balance had been $0.00… now it was approximately $60.00).
I placed the following phone call to CitiBank:
Me: “I am calling to tell you that she died in January.”
CitiBank: “The account was never closed and the late fees and charges still apply.”
Me: “Maybe, you should turn it over to collections…”
CitiBank: “Since it is 2 months past due, it already has been.”
Me: “So, what will they do when they find out she is dead?”
CitiBank: “Either report her account to the frauds division, or report her to the credit bureau… maybe both!”
Me: “Do you think God will be mad at her?”
CitiBank:“… excuse me …?”
Me: “Did you just get what I was telling you… the part about her being dead?”
CitiBank: “Sir, you’ll have to speak to my supervisor!”
(Supervisor gets on the phone)
Me: ”I’m calling to tell you, she died in January.”
CitiBank:“The account was never closed and the late fees and charges still apply.”
Me: “You mean you want to collect from her estate?”
CitiBank: “… (stammer)” … “Are you her lawyer?”
Me: “No, I’m her great nephew.” (Lawyer info given… )
CitiBank:“Could you fax us a certificate of death?”
Me: “Sure.” ( Fax number is given )
( After they get the fax. )
CitiBank: “Our system just isn’t setup for death… ”
Me: “Oh…”
CitiBank: “I don’t know what more I can do to help…”
Me: “Well… if you figure it out, great! If not, you could just keep billing her… I suppose… don’t really think she will care…”
CitiBank: “Well… the late fees and charges do still apply.”
Me: “Would you like her new billing address?”
CitiBank: “That might help.”
Me: (Odessa Memorial Cemetery #### Hwy 129 and plot number given.)
CitiBank: “Sir, that’s a cemetery!”
Me: “What do you do with dead people on your planet?!!”