DH is a widower. His wife handled their bills online and died suddenly, leaving no passwords. Most agencies were decent about it, but not their cell provider, aka AT&T. (Name unchanged to identify the guilty party.) They wouldn't change the account to his name, or provide copies of statements, despite multiple requests, cc's of Death Certificate and trips to AT&T store. They also kept cranking up the monthly bill amount. After more than a year of paying the bills without ever seeing a statement, he finally just tried to close the account, which was completely current. Oh, no they wouldn't let him do that, either, so in total frustration, he just switched providers and stopped paying the bill. About once a year, we get a call/letter from a new collection agency. They always ask for a POD (Death Certificate). We tell them no, that AT&T was given copies three times and that they shouldn't be reselling uncollectible debts. They go away, but we never know when it's going to pop up again.
Bitter? That's why I said not to pay without proof. Good for you for doing your research and standing your ground. Hope it vaporizes. Even if this really happened, eight years later and no proof? Fuggedaboutit.
