Resolved Question

Can i contact a credit card company on my dads behalf.?

My father is elderly and ill and i need to contact his credit card supplier,will they speak to me and what details will i need for security???

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Have your father sitting near you when you make the call. Then explain the situation to them. They will then ask your father to give his permission to talk to you. I have done this in the past.

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Other Answers (7)

• Unfortunately most companies will not talk to anyone other than the account holder, even if the account holder gives permission. They cite the Data Protection Act, but this is incorrect as the Act specifically allows for release of information where there is consent.
  
  The easiest thing is to try to see if they will talk to you, once he has spoken to them first. Alternatively, you could listen on another extension, and suggest things for him to ask/say. They may be happy to answer your questions if he is actually part of the conversation.
  
  Otherwise you would need a power of attorney, which gives you the legal right to deal with his affairs on his behalf. Powers of attorney can be granted for specific uses or limited time periods, or they can be lasting, ready to be activated as soon the the grantor becomes incapable of looking after themselves. But one thing is required - the grantor (your father) needs to be capable of understanding what he is doing in order to be able to grant you the power.
  
  You would need to see a solicitor to get a power set up, and your father should see his own solicitor, separately from you, so it is clear that you are not trying to force him into it.

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• Security details would be, first line of address, post code, date of birth, mothers maiden name, first line of previous address..... You will normally be asked about three of these. Normally your dad will be asked to confirm these, however, whos really going to know unless your a women pretending!
  
  You can however, get written confirmation and send it to their Customer Service department. You can write it, get your dad to sign it.... And that will give you written permission.

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• Consider doing an irrevocable power of attorney. This will give you authority to represent your dad in all areas including medical decisions. Google it for more info. You can do the form yourself and get it notarized for cheap. If he can speak then he can give them verbal authorization to speak with you but the power of attorney is better. Perhaps do both.

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• They will not talk to you unless you are an authorized user of his account.
  Also, you could get by that if you have a Power of Attorney signed by your father and a notary that you could fax or send them a copy naming YOU the party to speak to.

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• They might need your dad next to you to say it's ok. Usually they won't just give info to any person who says they are a daughter or relative. They need your dads consent somehow.

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• If you are not his power of attorney then he will have to initiate the call and introduce you, staying on the line during the conversation.

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• Answer hidden due to its low rating

  You need to get your dad to file for bankruptcy as soon as possible. Otherwise the creditors will get all his assets when he dies.

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