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Original poster

Deseased's bank account

20 replies

PoloPrincess · 10/02/2018 16:01

I've been advised to bring this from another thread.

What do I do if I know someone who is using a bank account belonging to someone else who has been deseased for 6 years?

To be more specific stbxh is using his mum's bank account but she has been dead 6 years.

He claims benifits for himself and has that money paid into his own bank account. But I'm pretty sure that he is working and the money he earns from that job goes into mil's account.

Who do I report it to? Should I report it? The bank have already been told and have chosen not to do anything about it.

This isn't right is it? It can't be legal? Also it's morally wrong.

Soon he will be asked by the court for his financial disclosure. If he is hiding money in someone else's account then he won't have to disclose it will he?

I'm not sure what to do or if I should report it and then who do I report it to?

OP posts:
MongerTruffle · 10/02/2018 16:03

You would report it to HMRC if he is claiming means-tested benefits and you think that he's not declaring assets.

Truthstar · 10/02/2018 16:04

How would you even know if hes using mil account?
Just leave it and dont confuddle things by making accusations unless you are 100%

Original poster
PoloPrincess · 10/02/2018 16:06

truthsrar yesterday a letter turned up at my house in her name. I haven't opened it but I would say that it's a new bank card.

OP posts:
Original poster
PoloPrincess · 10/02/2018 16:08

I am going to take the unopened letter back to the bank.

OP posts:
TeeBee · 10/02/2018 16:15

Yeah, take it to the bank and tell them she's been dead 6 years.

astoundedgoat · 10/02/2018 16:37

If you suspect that he is hiding earnings in the deceased's account I would possibly seek legal advice before you do anything, even informing the bank that she is dead, as if he finds the account closed or frozen he will know to hide the income elsewhere and you may have missed your chance?

DGRossetti · 10/02/2018 17:02

Anti terror police might have a shufti too ... it's egregious money laundering ...

retirednow · 10/02/2018 17:17

Do you have a copy of her death certificate, the bank will need proof that she has died and can investigate if the account is still being used.

DGRossetti · 10/02/2018 17:20

The bank have already been told and have chosen not to do anything about it.

Also the banking ombudsman, and the FCA will be interested.

retirednow · 10/02/2018 17:22

Six years is a long time to still be getting someone's post.

Original poster
PoloPrincess · 10/02/2018 17:31

retirednow I reported it to the bank a while ago when i found out because I found an old statement dated 2014. Then there were no more letters (the post situation is another complicated issue). Anyway, nothing came through the post to my knowledge and i assumed the bank had sorted it. I was told back then they couldn't give me any updates because of confidentiality. No statements came in the post, maybe he's moved it to online banking. But yesterday a new bank card turned up. I've had a new bank card recently and it was still in it's envelope. Same bank, same envelope.

OP posts:
retirednow · 10/02/2018 18:03

Do you and stbxh still live together in the same house

user1486076969 · 10/02/2018 18:04

I had no idea that a bank account for someone who is deceased could still be used?

retirednow · 10/02/2018 18:09

User, no I don't either, I wonder what happens if it's a joint account, you'd be able to use that wouldn't you but not their name

Original poster
PoloPrincess · 10/02/2018 18:25

retirednow yes we all still live under the same roof, it's an awful situation. I work, he doesn't so he has plenty of opportunity to receive his post without me seeing what has arrived.

OP posts:
Spickle · 10/02/2018 22:46

If you live in the same house, can't you find the death certificate and post a copy of it to the bank? When my dh died, I informed the bank and they froze his account immediately, but I did have to show them the death certificate and the bank account was in his sole name.

Original poster
PoloPrincess · 11/02/2018 10:38

spickle it's not that easy. He has everything locked away including stuff that belongs to me.

OP posts:
EggysMom · 11/02/2018 10:40

You don't need to find the death certificate, you can order a copy online. Google for your local Register Office, or even use the GRO.

PlugUgly1980 · 11/02/2018 10:47

The bank don't necessarily need the death certificate. I work in financial services and we use various services to identify where customers have died and we've not been notified. I would take the unopened letter to the bank and write across the envelope that she died 6 years ago. I'd also write a letter, addressed to the financial crime manager of the bank/branch outlining your suspicions and say you will contact the regulator if you don't get a receipt of your letter as a minimum. They won't be able to divulge the details of any investigation they undertake, but they should acknowledge receipt of your correspondence.

TroysMammy · 11/02/2018 11:31

As a last resort the local paper online would have obituary notices. You could show the bank that unless her name was very common. It would have the funeral director's details on it as well.

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