After a loss

Notifying the credit bureaus to prevent identity theft

A name and Social Security number can still be misused after death.

Identity thieves sometimes use the details of people who have died, because no one is watching the accounts. Telling the three credit bureaus about a death helps stop new credit being opened in the person's name.

How it usually works

Equifax, Experian and TransUnion each accept death notices, usually by mail. The family member or executor typically sends a letter with a copy of the death certificate, proof of their role (such as letters testamentary), and the person's full name, date of birth, Social Security number and last address. The bureau then marks the file as deceased.

Social Security may eventually report the death, but it can take time and doesn't always reach every bureau. Many families contact all three directly.

Checking the credit report

The executor or a surviving spouse can usually request the person's credit report. It lists open credit cards and loans, which helps with closing accounts and spotting anything suspicious.

Other steps families often take

• Leaving the person's age and date of birth out of a published obituary
• Shredding mail with account numbers
• Closing credit cards rather than leaving them open
• Reporting any suspicious activity at IdentityTheft.gov