Monument - Unfair charges & contact details

[Red Eric]

Hi,

 

I'm a newbie on here, so apologies if this has been covered in another thread.

 

Unfortunately my father passed away recently, leaving behind some debt. One Credit Card was with Monument with approximately £3000 still owing. According to recent statements he was being charged monthly charges (interest plus a payment break plan) which was actually more than his monthly direct debit, so the debt has been increasing over time.

 

I have noted on several statements that Payment Protection Insurance (seems to appear every 3 years in the month of March - however the latest payment, dated 2010 was credited back) has been added.

 

I am really unsure how to deal with this (as Executor of his Will). Do Payment Break Plans not normally result in interest being frozen? Can I expect the debt to be cleared due to the PPI element?

 

I have tried contacting the Monument Customer Services team on the 0800 number, but have found that they are non-English speaking, completely useless & want everything in writing. I need to discuss the PPI element with them, but they are unwilling to discuss this on the phone!

 

Therefore, I have written to "Customer Services" (I use this term very loosely!) to advise of my father's death, enclosing a copy of his Death Certificate & a copy of his will. I advised that I understood that the debt could be wiped out due to the PPI element, but have recently received a letter advising of the balance outstanding, with no mention of PPI at all! I guess my father may have cancelled the PPI in 2010, but can find no correspondence to confirm this. If I can't clear the debt can I claim for mis-sold PPI? Also, can I claim for unfair account charges?

 

Hope anyone can help...?

 

Many thanks in advance!

 

Eric

[Red Eric]

Sorry, forgot to ask... does anyone know of an alternative contact number for Monument Customer Relations...?

 

Thanks again!

 

Eric

[Crocdoc]

As the Executor you could always send a Subject Access Request (enclose fee of £10.00, not in cash). However it is only worth doing this if there is value in the estate and Monument make a claim. If there is no value then the debt died with your late father. You are not responsible in any way.

[Red Eric]

Thanks Crocdoc!

 

Unfortunately, there is value (stocks & shares) in the estate that Monument could claim against...

[Crocdoc]

The go down the SAR route in an effort to reduce the debt as far as is possible.

[Red Eric]

Thanks! Will go down that route...

 

Was also hoping to contact them to discuss this, but looks like I'll hit a brick wall...

 

Does anyone know if interest should still be charged if a Payment Break plan is in place?

[dx100uk]

been there done that too..

 

 

add up what you see labelled as any 'fees'

and any payments to the PBP [they will swear its NOT PPI but it IS]

 

use this:

 

to work things out

just put in the date reason and charge

the spreadsheet will do the rest

 

you can safely for this 'exercise' putthem all in one sheet for now.

 

once you've done this

 

look at the total

 

if its anywhere near what is outstandign then comeback here

 

you owe nowt and they wont go near a court or the estate.

 

dx

[Red Eric]

Thanks very much!

Will complete the spreadsheet.

 

Just for interest if PPI taken then can the balance be cleared (due to death)?