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Newsjock

(11,733 posts)
Thu Aug 8, 2013, 09:53 PM Aug 2013

Not even death stops banks from deducting fees

Source: Los Angeles Times
By David Lazarus

Rocco Bersane died in March at the age of 56 after being hospitalized for a gallbladder infection and liver failure. At the time of his death, Bersane had about $1,175 in a Bank of America checking account. His disability-related Social Security checks were automatically deposited there.

BofA acknowledged in a letter to Bersane's next of kin shortly after his death that it had received notification of his passing. Yet since that time, the bank continued deducting a $12 monthly maintenance fee from Bersane's account.

... That's the beauty of being a bank, apparently. When it comes to fees, the notion of "until death do us part" has little meaning.

... "Is it wrong morally? Yes," said Marlene Seltzer, a Tarzana probate attorney. "Legally? No. The law says they can get away with it."

Read more: http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-lazarus-20130809,0,7108936,full.column

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Not even death stops banks from deducting fees (Original Post) Newsjock Aug 2013 OP
The only time death stops the flow of cash nyquil_man Aug 2013 #1
+1 Dawson Leery Aug 2013 #2
Or a city at the hands of corporate overlords. Ed Suspicious Aug 2013 #3
The account would belong to his estate. Are people suggesting that estates can have whatever RB TexLa Aug 2013 #4
Touche. nt nyquil_man Aug 2013 #6
People who complain about fees don't see it like that Generic Brad Aug 2013 #7
These fees are being deducted by computers. Turbineguy Aug 2013 #5
Why does the dead guy still have an active account? GreenStormCloud Aug 2013 #8
 

RB TexLa

(17,003 posts)
4. The account would belong to his estate. Are people suggesting that estates can have whatever
Thu Aug 8, 2013, 10:37 PM
Aug 2013

financial accounts and transactions the executor wants and never have to pay any fees?

Generic Brad

(14,275 posts)
7. People who complain about fees don't see it like that
Thu Aug 8, 2013, 11:13 PM
Aug 2013

But you are absolutely correct in your assessment of the situation. It's easier to say that bank is charging a dead guy than to understand there may be a legitimate reason for such a policy.

Turbineguy

(37,369 posts)
5. These fees are being deducted by computers.
Thu Aug 8, 2013, 10:39 PM
Aug 2013

If his relatives ask, the bank should refund the fees. Wells Fargo does.

GreenStormCloud

(12,072 posts)
8. Why does the dead guy still have an active account?
Fri Aug 9, 2013, 12:00 AM
Aug 2013

As long as the account is active, fees may be charged to it.

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