You spend a lot of time protecting yourself and your loved ones from identity theft. Are you looking out for your loved one’s estate after they are gone? Unfortunately the deceased can be at high risk for identity theft.

Reporting Delays

The main reason that the deceased are an easy target for identity thieves is simply the time it takes to make credit companies aware that someone has passed away. In some cases it can take as long as six month for the credit agencies to register a death certificate. This is enough time for identity thieves to do their damage.

What can you Do?

If you are the executor of a will there are some things that you can do to prevent this from happening. First, as soon as possible, send a copy of the death certificate to all three of the major credit reporting agencies. Use certified mail to ensure a record of receipt. Along with the certificate, make sure to send a letter explaining that you are the executor of the will and personal information such as full name, most recent address and social security number. Make sure to ask the agencies to put a Deceased – Do not Issue Credit marker on the account.

Follow up by sending copies of the same information to any credit card companies, banks or other agencies that might issue credit to the deceased.

If you need legal assistance because of identity theft, contact Stano Law Group today.