My brother died 3 years ago should I negotiate with the Collection Agency?

I lost my brother 3 years ago on March 2010. His name was John and he died at age 32 from lung cancer. My brother has some credit card bill and I was a authorized user. Now the collection agency is calling me for the unpaid amount then I inform the collection agency about his death. They told me to send death certificate and after that they deleted my name off the account but few week back I got a letter from the collection agency about the payment from his estate but he had no assets. Should I negotiate with collection agency to get off of my back?

Answers:

Once the owner of the account died the authorized user status terminated. Here the point to be noted that the authorized user in not a co-owner of the account. As you have says that there is no assets on his name then just inform them that there is no property as such in the name of your brother.

May be possible that debt was probably re-sold and now the collection agency is trying to get anything out of it.

Note:  This is not a legal advice only for general information, and this answers does not  have any relationship with Collection Agency and client.

How Debt consolidation works

Before consolidation program

Outstanding balance on credit card (15%)
Outstanding balance on Home Loan (17%)
Amount you owe on medical bills (16%)

So, the average interest rate = (15% + 17% + 16%)/3 = 16%

After consolidation program, the interest rates on your debts are negotiated down to:

Credit card - 10%
Home Loan - 16%
Medical bill - 10%
So, the average interest rate = (12% + 14% + 10%)/3 = 12%

Now if your total debt amount is $65000, you'll save = (16% - 12%) * 65000 = $2600 per year.

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