They thought I was dead...

Billy_Dandy

So, a few weeks ago, I had a Section 87 notice from Virgin Money dated 3rd April.

The default is still not visible on my credit report, 6 weeks later.

I received what can only be described as an ‘unusual’ letter today from Virgin Money.

It was addressed to my ‘representative’ and the contents of the letter referred to Virgin Money offering their condolences following the bereavement of (my name).

Additionally, they were asking for a copy of my death certificate in order for my account to be amended.

I did actually laugh. I rang them and the person on the phone was mortified (no pun intended…)

They didn’t know how it could happen etc.

I suspect that there is a drop down list somewhere on their computer system and some individual has selected ‘deceased’ as opposed to ‘defaulted’. I may be completely wrong.

 

Anyway, I’ve told them I’m not dead and once they default me, I’ll pay them.

For those of you who thought, “I’d have said nothing; let them think I was dead”, I did too for a few seconds. However, that may possibly border on criminality (fraud) and without a death certificate, they may have investigated further. 

So there are some laughs to be had…

Just thought I would share.

Rob5342

Even without any **** ups it can take a few months for defaults to show up on your credit report. I'm not sure what would have happened had you kept quiet, they'd probably have been quite keen to chase it knowing they would have been able to make a claim against your estate. 

Maxrpg

Billy_Dandy said:

So, a few weeks ago, I had a Section 87 notice from Virgin Money dated 3rd April.

The default is still not visible on my credit report, 6 weeks later.

I received what can only be described as an ‘unusual’ letter today from Virgin Money.

It was addressed to my ‘representative’ and the contents of the letter referred to Virgin Money offering their condolences following the bereavement of (my name).

Additionally, they were asking for a copy of my death certificate in order for my account to be amended.

I did actually laugh. I rang them and the person on the phone was mortified (no pun intended…)

They didn’t know how it could happen etc.

I suspect that there is a drop down list somewhere on their computer system and some individual has selected ‘deceased’ as opposed to ‘defaulted’. I may be completely wrong.

 

Anyway, I’ve told them I’m not dead and once they default me, I’ll pay them.

For those of you who thought, “I’d have said nothing; let them think I was dead”, I did too for a few seconds. However, that may possibly border on criminality (fraud) and without a death certificate, they may have investigated further. 

So there are some laughs to be had…

Just thought I would share.

Sorry to butt in here but just to clarify, they sent you a letter in YOUR NAME and in the letter it stated "..condolences following the bereavement of YOUR NAME" 

So they sent a letter addressed to you asking you for your own death certificate? 

As funny as it is, if they'd have sent that letter to someone with mental health issues, it could have caused them a lot of distress. How could they get that so wrong.

Billy_Dandy

@Maxrpg
Max, no the letter was addressed to 'the representrative of' my name.

DullGreyGuy

When working with an annuity provider they subscribe to a daily feed of all newly registered deaths. If they thought there was a match to a policyholder it would trigger the "proof of life" process if we hadn't already been informed of the death. 

Dont know if a lender would potentially also subscribe to such things