Information About Protecting Deceased Loved Ones From Identity Theft

Each year the identities of more than 2 million deceased Americans are stolen by identity thieves.  This column discusses some of the important steps people should take to protect the identities of loved ones who pass away.  One of the most important steps to take is using certified mail to send a copy of the decedent’s death certificate to the three major credit reporting agencies.  Make sure to let the agencies know that you are acting as the executor of the decedent’s estate.  The credit agencies should include a “deceased – do not issue credit” statement on the persons credit file.  It is also important to notify any financial institution that the decedent had an account with.  Identity thieves often look through obituaries for information so make sure when writing one not to include too much personal information. 

See How to Protect Your Deceased Loved Ones From Identity Theft, Elder Law Answers, August 17, 2015.