In this modern world of instantaneous communication, information overload and “shared information” there are a growing number of scams that seek to snare the unwary. A scammer can hijack your identity and create all sorts of problems for you immediately, or at some future date beneficiaries. In fact, stealing the identity of the recently deceased is a real problem. You can minimize the risk of a l
oved one’s identity falling prey to an identity thief by monitoring your accounts, investigating inquiries that you did not initiate, and alerting these agencies when a death occurs. q Social Security Administration
q Veteran’s Administration (if the decedent formerly served in the military)
q Defense Finance and Accounting Service (military service retiree receiving benefits)
q Office of Personnel Management (if the decedent is a former federal civil service employee)
q U.S. citizen)
q State Department of Motor Vehicles (If the decedent had a driver’s license)
q Credit card and merchant card companies
q Banks, savings and loan associations and credit unions
q Mortgage companies and lenders
q Financial planners and stock brokers
q Pension providers
q Life insurers and annuity companies
q Health, medical and dental insurers
q Disability insurers
q Automotive insurer
q Mutual benefit companies
q All three credit reporting agencies: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion
q Any memberships held by the decedent (ex: health clubs, professional associations, clubs, library etc.) Contacting those on this list will reduce the chance that an identity thief can initiate fraudulent actions that can make your life miserable. Imagine going to the bank after losing a spouse only to find out that your dear husband has cleared out the bank account! … a week after he died. By being aware of these kinds of identity theft schemes at a difficult time can help save aggravation, time and prevent financial loss. Don’t’ be afraid to ask a trusted family member or friend to help you with this list, there are many who want to help, but don’t know exactly what they can do to assist. The materials available at this web site are for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice. You should contact your attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular issue or problem. Use of and access to this Web site or any of the e-mail links contained within the site do not create an attorney-client relationship between Elrod, Jacobs & Stropus, LLP and the user or browser. The opinions expressed at or through this site are the opinions of the individual author and may not reflect the opinions of the firm or any individual attorney.
