How to Avoid Identity Theft After Death
Identity theft is a crime in which a person impersonates another person for financial or personal gain. Identity thieves will often steal information that gives them access to financial accounts, such as lines of credit or checking accounts. While most identity theft takes place while the victim is still alive, some identity thieves choose to steal the identity of dead people. This is often more effective, as the person who's identity is being stolen is not in a position to notice the theft. There are a number of steps that relatives and friends can take to prevent a deceased person from being a victim of this crime.
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Instructions
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Close accounts. After the person's estate has been disbursed, as many financial accounts as possible should be closed. While accounts remain open, the companies managing the accounts should be notified that the account holder has died, and anyone who attempts to impersonate him is doing so fraudulently.
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Tell credit reporting agencies. The three credit reporting agencies -- Equifax, Trans Union and Experian -- should all be notified after a person has died. This will prevent anyone else from succeeding in taking out a credit card in the deceased person's name.
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Cut off junk mail. Many identity thieves can steal an identity by pilfering a pile of junk mail. This is because much junk mail contains pre-approved credit cards. If the thief fills out the application, he may be able to withdraw money in the deceased person's name. Using the Deceased Do Not Contact Registration form, you can opt out of receiving large amounts of junk mail.
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Inform the government. After a person has died, relatives should inform every government agency with whom he conducted regular business. This includes the Social Security Administration, the U.S. Postal Service and the Internal Revenue Service. This will limit the amount of mail with sensitive information that the person continues to receive.
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Limit public information. The more an identity thief knows about a victim, the easier his job is. When publishing an obituary, limit the amount of information you put in it, particularly with regard to financial matters and the names of close relatives. Many banks will ask for the account holder's mother's maiden name as proof of identity.
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