How Do You Prevent Identity Theft Of A Deceased Relative?
The pain and loss survivors feel when a loved one dies is distressing enough without the added burden of identity theft. Identity theft is one of the fastest-growing and most pervasive crimes in the country today, and it can happen to anyone, from a newborn to the elderly. Thieves particularly target the recently deceased once their deaths become a matter of public record. While the estate or heirs of the deceased won’t be responsible for debts resulting from identity theft, it’s still a hassle to deal with. It’s important to take the necessary steps to protect the identity of someone who dies as quickly as possible. Contact the Social Security Administration to report the death of anyone with a Social Security number, even if the deceased was not receiving benefits. This puts that person’s name in the national database in the Social Security Death Index. The fastest way is to call the SSA toll-free at (800) 772-1213. (TTY 1-800-325-0778.) (See the Resource section for further informat
