It is important to be proactive when it comes to preventing identity theft of deceased persons. To close accounts opened in the deceased’s name, you must be an executor of the estate or otherwise have the legal authority to act on behalf of the deceased. You will need to provide proof of your authority when contacting the appropriate entities. Obtain 12-15 copies of the official death certificate to use when notifying various companies of the death of an account holder (you may need less or more depending on the number of accounts held by the deceased).
Examples of appropriate parties to notify for identity theft of deceased include:
- Social Security Administration
- Credit Reporting Agencies
- Department of Motor Vehicles
- Financial Institutions
- Creditors/Lenders
- Insurance Companies (auto, health, life, etc.)
- Membership Programs (public library, fitness club, etc.)
- Email/Social Media Companies
SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION
Most funeral homes will report the death of an individual to the Social Security Administration (and will need the deceased’s Social Security number to do so), but some may not. You can notify the Social Security Administration directly by calling 1.800.772.1213 (TTY 1.800.325.0778) or visiting the closest Social Security Administration office.
The Social Security Administration may periodically send a notification to the three major credit reporting agencies (CRAs) regarding those who are deceased, but it is not guaranteed.
CREDIT REPORTING AGENCIES
Immediately contact the CRAs Equifax, Experian and TransUnion to notify them of the death and, once notified, check to make sure there is a Òdeath noticeÓ which flags a person’s credit reports as Òdeceased do not issue credit.Ó It is also important to request credit reports on behalf of the deceased to understand which creditors/lenders you will need to contact and to review the reports for potential fraudulent activity. If you notice fraudulent activity, see our Action Plan: Reporting Identity Theft of a Deceased Person.
Next contact lenders and creditors directly to notify them their account holder is deceased.
OTHER ENTITIES
Check with each entity regarding the requirements needed to close accounts due to the account holder’s death. You will likely need to send information in writing Ð send all written documents via certified mail with return receipt to ensure they are received.
SURVIVING SPOUSE
If you are a surviving spouse or joint account holder, you will need to discuss all outstanding debts and ask how they will be handled. Ask if they can transfer the joint account to your name only and close the account that lists the deceased. Ask that the closed account have a notation that the account is closed because the primary account holder is deceased.
