This widow was charged $210 for new ComEd account after husband died, but she fought it and won. Avoid such unfair fees

Core Point - The article highlights the challenges faced by surviving spouses in managing household accounts after the death of a partner, particularly focusing on the unexpected financial burdens that can arise, such as utility account deposits [1][3]. Group 1: Case Study - Marsha Thomas, a widow, encountered difficulties in transferring her late husband's ComEd electric account into her name, leading to a surprise $210 security deposit charge on her new account [2][3]. - Despite having paid all previous bills on time, Thomas was informed by ComEd that the deposit was a standard requirement for new accounts, which she disputed multiple times without resolution [4][5]. Group 2: Company Response - ComEd acknowledged the potential for clerical errors that could result in incorrect charges and stated their commitment to resolving such issues promptly when they arise [5]. Group 3: Consumer Guidance - The article emphasizes the overwhelming nature of financial management for older Americans after the loss of a spouse, suggesting that they may need to be vigilant about unexpected charges and advocate for themselves [6].