After a beloved spouse or family member dies, it can be open season for con-artists who scour the obituaries looking for the perfect target who no longer has a voice. Your spouse or family member's pristine credit report is attractive to criminal minds who gain access to his personal information to establish new credit, max out existing accounts or even drain banking accounts. Obtaining a credit report for someone who has died is always a good idea to first verify that all of his outstanding debts are accounted for and settled. But it's even more important to protect your loved one's good name from identity theft.
Step 1
Obtain the mailing information for the three big credit bureaus: TransUnion, Equifax and Experian (see "Resources"). Although you can contact these companies by phone and inform them of your loved one's death, the financial experts at credit.com advise that you contact them in writing so that you have a record of the communication sent.
Step 2
Give the credit bureau the relevant information it needs. Include your loved one's full name, Social Security number and most recent address prior to death, as well as the date of his death. Write down your own name, address, phone number and email address as well as your relationship to the deceased (such as spouse, child or parent) or if you are the executor or administrator of the his estate. In your letter, state "Do not issue credit"---this will go in the deceased's party's credit file.
Step 3
Request each credit bureau to send you a copy of your loved one's credit report. In addition to making sure he is not the victim of identity theft, you'll have a record of open accounts that may need to be squared away. Consider asking the credit bureau to inform you if any activity shows up on your loved one's file, such as an application for a new credit card. Include a copy of the death certificate in each letter you send. If you're the executor of the estate, include a copy of executorship papers as well.
Step 4
Send the correspondence by certified mail, return receipt requested, to make sure the credit bureau receives your letter. This also gives you documented proof that you communicated your loved one's death to the credit bureau.
Tips and Warnings
- Informing credit bureaus of a loved one's death is just one way to protect them from identity theft (see "Resources"). After you obtain a credit report for your loved one, credit.com advises you to next contact his creditors to alert them of his passing.
Things You'll Need
- Copies of death certificate (at least three)
- Copies of executorship papers (if applicable)
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