In January this year, Olga was at home in the apartment of her late parents when the postman delivered an order from a bailiff for collection of an old debt owed by her mother to a utility company in North Macedonia.

Olga’s mother owed roughly 1,000 euros in unpaid bills from 2005 and 2006. But the sum sought by the bailiff had ballooned to 6,000 euros on account of interest and the charge for his services. That’s roughly 12 times the average monthly salary.

“I was shocked,” said Olga, 40. “Firstly, by the notice, which arrived out of the blue because I was unaware of any debt or legal process, and secondly by the amount.”

Olga called the utility company but said the person who picked up was “completely unphased” when she told them that her mother had actually passed away. “They advised me to pay the debt myself since I now live in the apartment, and that was it. Otherwise, they said, the debt will only grow.”

By law, there should be no debt to pay.