You're Dead? That Won't Stop a Debt Collector

This article from the New York Times reports on the newest frontier in debt collection:  the deceased.  Here’s an excerpt:

“Dozens of specially trained agents work [at a collection agency], calling up the dear departed’s next of kin and kindly asking if they want to settle the balance on a credit card or bank loan, or perhaps make that final utility bill or cellphone payment.

“The people on the other end of the line often have no legal obligation to assume the debt of a spouse, sibling or parent. But they take responsibility for it anyway.”