25 February 2013

I'm Late, I'm Late. For a Very Important Date

The words of the White Rabbit from Alice in Wonderland.  I feel my world has become just as crazy at the moment. A few weeks ago, I received a letter from my credit card company, Barclaycard, with a new card which was due. Also enclosed was a card for Greg, as the additional credit-card holder. I was a bit surprised as I had told them almost three years ago that he had died, but then I began to doubt whether I had told them, so sent them a letter, just to be on the safe side, saying he was dead and would they remove his name as the additional cardholder.
 
I've been away for a few days tending to my mother's house and  garden.  I got back yesterday to a pile of mail including one from Barclaycard. It was addressed to Greg.  In it it, they expressed their condolences at my death and referred to me as The Late Addy. A second letter pointed out that my credit card bill (which I clear every month, so I only owe for any expenses during the previous month) needed to be paid by the Late Addy's Estate.   They also said they would be cancelling the account in two weeks' time.


It seemed horrible seeing my name in black and white referred to as The Late Addy. As if someone had just walked over my grave. I have rung them this morning and the operator seemed so surprised to hear from me she asked me about ten security questions just to make sure it was me. By the time I had answered all questions correctly, she ventured that she knew what I was ringing about! I think it has now been sorted out and they are going to confirm it to me in writing that I am not dead. Until then, I can't be sure!


11 comments:

nuttycow said...

Glad you're still with us Addy!

Hippo said...

Reports of Addy's death are slightly exaggerated...

No wonder these card companies are defrauded so easily.

I'd have been tempted to go on a massive spending spree...

elsy said...

unbelievable but then believable sadly.....a bouquet is in order...and not a wreath

AGuidingLife said...

I'd play the 'do you realise how much you've upset me' card until they send you a we're sorry gift.

Nota Bene said...

Always best to be late for your own funeral....

nappy valley girl said...

I agree with Kelloggsville - they should waive your bill this month for making such a potentially upsetting mistake! In the US they would definitely do it.

Flowerpot said...

That did make me laugh - you hang on in there please Addy!

aims said...

Oh lord - what a mess!

When my mother passed away I would get absolutely furious with companies as I tried to explain to them that she was gone. I remember screaming at someone that she was dead!

That was almost 10 years ago - or was that 10 minutes ago?

Hi Addy!

xoxoxo

www.retiredandcrazy.com said...

Credit card companies don't handle death very well. I was the additional card holder on Davy's card although because I was the applicant I assumed that we were joint card holders. I'm known for not being good at reading instructions or small print!

When he died they cancelled the card and then proceded to treat me like a criminal because I had used it after his death. I was so insensed that I vowed never to have another one, but this world becomes very difficult without one so I'm ashamed to say that I eventually caved in.

hyperCRYPTICal said...

So glad you are still here Addy although I was late visiting to say so...

will be interesting to see how the credit card company handle this - and I agree - at the very least - a bouquet is in order.

Anna :o]

Ellen said...

So glad to hear you confirm you are very much with us Addy! How insensitive of Barclaycard!! I know how painful it can be dealing with mail addressed to a dearly loved and deceased relative without the mix up that you have had to endure. It's good to know that you are able to look on the amusing side of things;)