Protecting a Deceased Loved One’s Identity: Steps to Secure Their Social Security Number and Credit

Losing a loved one is hard enough without the added stress of dealing with identity theft. Unfortunately, identity thieves often target deceased individuals to open fraudulent accounts or commit other forms of financial fraud. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to help you secure a deceased family member’s Social Security number and credit, along with examples of the potential problems this kind of fraud can create.

Why It Matters

When a loved one passes away, their identity becomes vulnerable. Fraudsters can use stolen Social Security numbers to:

• Open credit cards or loans in their name.
• File false tax returns to collect refunds.
• Receive medical services or benefits fraudulently.
• Commit crimes, leaving the family to deal with the fallout.

Taking action now can save you months (or even years) of hassle, financial strain, and emotional stress.

Here’s how to get started:

Steps to Secure a Deceased Family Member’s Identity

• Get Multiple Copies of the Death Certificate
• Contact the funeral home or vital records office to request multiple certified copies.
• These will be needed to close accounts and notify agencies.
• Notify the Social Security Administration (SSA)
• The funeral director may handle this, but confirm by contacting the SSA directly at 1-800-772-1213.
• Ensure the Social Security number is flagged as deceased to prevent future use.

Contact Credit Reporting Agencies

• Notify the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) to flag the individual’s credit file as “deceased.”
• Request a copy of the deceased’s credit report to identify any open accounts.
• Close Open Accounts
• Contact banks, credit card companies, and other financial institutions to close accounts held in the deceased’s name.
• Provide a certified copy of the death certificate.

Alert Government Agencies – Social Security Administration (SSA) by calling their toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213. https://www.ssa.gov/personal-record/when-someone-dies

Notify agencies like the IRS, state DMV, and Veterans Affairs if applicable.

This helps prevent tax and benefits fraud.

Secure Personal Documents

• Gather and safely store birth certificates, Social Security cards, and other personal documents.
• Shred any unnecessary sensitive paperwork.
• Monitor for Unusual Activity
• Keep an eye on incoming mail for any suspicious bills or account notices.
• Use a credit monitoring service to track unauthorized activity.

Real-Life Examples of Fraud

• Tax Refund Theft: A thief used the Social Security number of a deceased individual to file a fraudulent tax return, delaying the family’s ability to settle the estate.
• Medical Identity Theft: Fraudsters used a deceased person’s identity to receive expensive medical treatments, leaving creditors to chase the family for payment.
• New Credit Accounts: A surviving spouse discovered a $15,000 credit card bill racked up in the deceased’s name months after the funeral.

Additional Tips to Stay Ahead

• Inform the credit bureaus to add a “Deceased” alert to their files.
• Limit the amount of personal information included in the obituary to avoid giving thieves clues.
• Be wary of unsolicited calls or emails asking for the deceased’s information—these are often scams.

In Summary

By taking these steps, you can protect your loved one’s legacy and spare your family from unnecessary stress and financial hardship. Identity thieves may target the deceased, but with a proactive approach, you can keep their identity secure and focus on what matters most: honoring their memory.