When a person dies - their debts do not. One of the fastest growing segments of debt collection is going after the living relatives, for debts of the deceased. These debts are not collectable, but bottom tier debt collection companies try. They cannot force you to pay, but they are going to call any relative to try and shame them into paying. Do not be surprised if you need to send a 'cease & desist' letter. One thing I would strongly suggest you do is talk to who(m)ever was executor for your late mother. Make sure everything was done correctly in settling her estate. An executor can be held accountable for mistakes settling an Estate. You also need to see if this debt is real or not. There is a great deal of fraud involving foreign, & domestic criminals, trying to extort Americans with fake debts.

Call at 7-715 a.m. and 3-4 pm  about a debt my mother owed, she died with less than $3000 in the bank almost 3 years ago.
Would love to meet them face to face.