Dead Mother's Bank Account

[jackiegerm]

My mum died in a hospice on Wednesday (during my sister's visit) after living with my family F.O.C. for the last 13 years.
On Thursday my sister emptied her bank account, apparently to distribute the monies to 3 named people (unbeknown to us).
We are arranging the funeral and paying the costs.
Surely she can't do that?

[boxtops]

so sorry to hear that you have this unpleasantness to deal with, so soon after losing your mum. (())

[Prudie]

Also be careful at the bank. I thought banks wouldn't help out in any fraud on a card if the PIN has been made available or written down with the card.

[boxtops]

There's nothing to stop you informing the police tomorrow - and don't forget that most of the banks are now open on Saturday mornings too, you don't have to wait until Monday.

[jackiegerm]

I wanted to wait for the card and "explanation" (proof) to arrive in the post. If it comes tomorrow, I'll go then.

[boxtops]

I'm sorry to say this, but the longer you leave it, the more likely that your sister will have given the money to these three unknown people.... will it be more difficult to get it back, if she's already distributed it?

[jackiegerm]

Yes, you are very right. I'm presuming she will have to send cheques (if this whole charade is true!) as one is in Canada and the other 2 a 6hr drive away so in theory she will still have the "cash"!

[andres]

How did your sister manage to empty the account.? With my card I can only draw up to £250 a day. If she used a cheque and card she would have had to sign for the money and the bank should not have accepted this .

[Maydup]

I'm sorry to hear you've lost you're Mum Jackie and gained an extra headache with this matter. I can't add to the advice already given but just wanted to send some (((((hugs))))) to you at this time.

[jackiegerm]

First, I don't know how much was in her account, it was her money! Therefore I don't know how much has been withdrawn. We went to collect her belongings and found a copy of a receipt for things the hospice were keeping for her (Abbey Card and Pension Card). Went through all her papers, etc and they weren't there. Phoned Hospice and they said they were handed to a Friend(?) but couldn't work out the signatory. We worked through the list of people who had visited recently and my sister was top of the list. We text'd her and then her husband replied that they did have the cards, had withdrawn the monies and would post the cards back to us with an explanation - with the added words "phone being turned off NOW". Like I said before Mum had written her PIN in 3 diaries so easily accessible. I have no idea when she obtained the card, so could have withdrawn £250 over a number of days. It's just unbelievable that she's making no contribution to the funeral, has never made contributions over the last 13 years mum lived with us F.O.C. but feels it's her right to distribute Mum's money. You'd think she'd think, this £ should go towards funeral before being handed out (if it has been - who knows!), perhaps I should let them know!

[andres]

Ask the undertaker to send the bill to your sister !!

[lcg]

i would contact these people, let them know what she has done, and inform them you are contacting the police about the matter...and do it tomorrow. x

[bednobs]

what does FOC mean?

[welshlibranr]

no, she can't do this, even if she has access to your Mum's account, whatever is in her account on her demise should go into her estate!.......See a solicitor as soon as you can!........

[bednobs]

ps if you are organising the funeral, you have an obligation to pay for it

[lcg]

free of charge...

[Graham-W]

FOC=Free of Charge

[Jumbo747]

Free of Charge I think Bednobs

[jackiegerm]

FOC = Free of charge, we paid for her food, elec, gas, etc PLUS no rent, her pension was all her own. I don't think the Funeral Guys would appreciate that, but is a great idea, and did give me a chuckle. LCG76, sorry contact which people - the Hospice?

[jackiegerm]

A solicitor, you think that's necessary?

[boxtops]

I certainly do think it's advisable - the solicitor knows the law about these things, we can only advise. If you get to the bank tomorrow, all well and good, if not include a call to your solicitor on your to do list for Monday.