You weren’t expecting a debt collector to call about your mom, dad, or spouse — especially not so soon after losing them.
But now DCM Services is reaching out, and you’re left wondering what they want, if you’re on the hook for anything, and whether ignoring them will make things better or worse.
Before you stress, know this: you’re not alone, and you have rights.
In this guide, we’ll explain:
- Who DCM Services is
- Why they’re contacting you
- How to handle them without adding more heartache to an already hard situation.
Who Is DCM Services and What Do They Do?
DCM Services (short for Deceased Case Management Services) is a legitimate debt collection company founded in 2006 and based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. They specialize in collecting debts of individuals who have recently died, by reaching out to the deceased person’s immediate family or estate representatives.
In practice, DCM Services may contact you regarding a debt that was owed by your late relative – a debt that is not directly yours, but which they are attempting to recover from the deceased person’s estate or family.
DCM Services works on behalf of various creditors (credit card companies, lenders, etc.) to settle or collect those outstanding balances.
Key point: Just because DCM Services is contacting you doesn’t automatically mean you personally owe the money. Understanding your actual obligation is critical, which we discuss next.
Are You Obligated to Pay a Deceased Relative’s Debt?
In most cases, family members are not required to pay a deceased relative’s debts out of their own pocket. Debts of the deceased are usually paid from the person’s estate (any money or property they left behind). If the estate’s assets are insufficient, the remaining debts often go unpaid and creditors generally cannot force relatives to cover them.
There are some exceptions – for example, if you co-signed a loan or joint account with the deceased, or in certain states if you are a surviving spouse. But typically you are not personally liable for a loved one’s credit card or other unsecured debts.
DCM Services might not always volunteer this information. Their representatives may imply or urge you to pay, but remember your rights: debt collectors are restricted in who they can contact about a deceased person’s debt and cannot mislead you about your obligation.
Under Federal Trade Commission rules, collectors cannot claim you must use your own assets to settle a deceased relative’s debt if you’re not legally responsible. In fact, the law prohibits debt collectors from using deceptive or abusive tactics in these situations. If a DCM Services agent is pressuring you improperly, you should be aware that you do not have to agree to anything on the spot.
Know Your Rights Under Debt Collection Laws
When dealing with DCM Services or any collection agency, the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) provides important protections. This federal law makes it illegal for debt collectors to harass or deceive you. For example, under the FDCPA a collector may not do any of the following:
- Call you repeatedly or continuously to the point of harassment.
- Contact you at inconvenient times, such as before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m.
- Use abusive or profane language, or threaten you with violence or arrest.
- Misrepresent the debt or lie about what will happen if you don’t pay.
They are also limited in who they can discuss the debt with – usually only with you, your spouse, or the executor of the estate. They cannot randomly call distant relatives or neighbors and divulge the debt details.
If DCM Services violates these rules, know that you are not alone. Many consumers have reported DCM Services for FDCPA violations and filed complaints to fight back. You have the right to report such behavior to authorities.
Keeping records of any aggressive calls or misleading statements can help if you decide to file a complaint with your state Attorney General’s office or the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
How to Respond if DCM Services Contacts You
Facing a collection attempt for a deceased loved one’s debt can be emotional and confusing. However, there are clear steps you can take to protect yourself and handle the situation effectively:
- Ask for Debt Validation in Writing: When DCM Services first contacts you, do not agree to pay anything immediately. Instead, request a formal debt validation notice. Under the FDCPA, you have the right to get verification of the debt – and you must send a written request for validation within 30 days of the first contact. Upon receiving your request, the collector must provide details proving that the debt is real, that it actually belonged to your relative, and that DCM has the authority to collect it. This step is crucial to ensure you’re not dealing with a scam or a mistake. Always get this information in writing.
- Review Your Obligation (or Lack Thereof): Once you have documentation, determine if this debt truly needs to be paid from the estate. If you are the executor of your relative’s estate, you’ll use estate funds (if available) to pay valid debts. Importantly, if the estate has no assets or the debt was solely in the deceased’s name, you may not have to pay it at all from your own money. Be cautious if a collector implies you are personally responsible without legal basis. Consider consulting a probate attorney to clarify any doubts about responsibility, especially if the situation is complex.
- Dispute Any Errors or Invalid Debts: If the validation letter from DCM Services contains errors or if you believe the debt is not actually owed, you have the right to dispute it. You can send a written dispute letter to DCM Services and even contact the major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion) if the debt appears on a credit report inaccurately. Explain what is wrong (for example, “this debt was already paid” or “this isn’t my family member’s debt”) and include copies of any proof. Once you dispute a debt, the collector must pause further collection efforts until they provide verification. This is a powerful protection in the law to prevent you from paying on debts that might be invalid.
- Negotiate a Settlement (if the Debt Is Valid): If the debt does turn out to be valid and you decide it’s appropriate to resolve it – for instance, to close your loved one’s estate – you don’t necessarily have to pay the full amount. Debt collectors like DCM Services often buy debts for pennies on the dollar, which means they might accept a much lower amount as settlement. You can open a conversation to negotiate a reduced payoff. It’s not uncommon to settle a debt for 50% (or even less) of the original balance, depending on the circumstances. If you reach an agreement, get the terms in writing before sending any money.
- Keep Records of All Communications: Throughout this process, maintain a file of every letter, email, and note of phone calls with DCM Services. Write down dates, times, and summaries of conversations. Having a paper trail will be important if there’s any dispute later or if you need to file a complaint. It also helps you keep track of what the collector promised (such as honoring a settlement amount or ceasing contact).
- Know When to Seek Help: If at any point you feel overwhelmed or unsure, consider reaching out to a professional. Debt settlement companies have experience dealing with agencies like DCM Services. They can advise you on the best course of action and even handle communications on your behalf. Remember, you have the right to tell a debt collector to stop contacting you, and if you do so in writing, they generally must only communicate to confirm stopping or to notify of specific legal actions. Professional guidance can provide peace of mind and ensure you don’t accidentally give up any rights.
Conclusion
Being contacted by DCM Services about a loved one’s debt can stir up anxiety, but you now know the key facts and options.
First, understand that you may not be personally liable for the debt – in many cases the estate is responsible, not you.
Always exercise your right to verify any debt claims and demand proper documentation.
Remember that debt collectors must treat you fairly and within the bounds of the law, and you can hold them accountable if they do not.
If the debt is valid and needs resolution, you have tools at your disposal such as disputing inaccuracies and negotiating for a reduced payoff. By keeping records and responding in writing, you stay in control of the situation. And if you ever feel unsure, there are professionals who can help defend your rights or facilitate a settlement.
In the end, knowledge is your best defense. With a clear understanding of DCM Services and your rights, you can handle their contact with confidence. You don’t have to be intimidated by debt collectors – by being informed and proactive, you can navigate the process on your terms and protect your financial well-being.
