As FPOA for my late mother, my name was on all of her accounts, both bank and credit/ debit cards. They were joint accounts so I never had any explaining to do to anyone. Was your FPOA not set up that way? How did you sign for your mothers supplies then? With her name?
When my father-in-law was nearing his death, we withdrew most of his funds from the bank as an authorized user since neither of us was on his account as a joint owner. We left enough money in the account to pay for his cremation. We, as authorized users, used his credit card with the same bank to pay for the cremation. It was our intent to transfer the funds from his bank account to his credit card and pay the debt. We waited for the bill, meanwhile, SS clawed back his last payment and informed the bank of his death and all accounts were locked. We waited to hear from them. When we finally heard from them, they advised us that they could not hold us responsible for his expenses so the credit card bill would be written off. It sort of worked out though because we also cannot withdraw the $ from his bank account without probating his estate which would cost more than is in the account. The bank did advise us that they would eventually turn the funds over to the unclaimed funds at the state level but after two years, this has not occurred. I feel like we broke even since it was just enough to pay the expense on the credit card and it is the same bank.
If you typically bought supplies with this card, and you had no intention of fraud, and this is a small amount of money I would simply report the loss of your Mom now to her credit card company. If they question any charges then feel free to tell them what you told us, and to tell them that you had not been informed these supplies were needed and she had passed.
It is unusual for the person who purchases supplies in this manner not to be told of a death for some days, so as you can imagine you may be questioned. Feel free to tell them you would be more than happy to pay for these charges made when you mom didn't require the supplies.
Again, I am assuming these are somewhat small charges.
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It is unusual for the person who purchases supplies in this manner not to be told of a death for some days, so as you can imagine you may be questioned. Feel free to tell them you would be more than happy to pay for these charges made when you mom didn't require the supplies.
Again, I am assuming these are somewhat small charges.