Protecting the Deceased from Identity Theft

Identity theft is an ever-growing concern in America today. The risk of identity theft does not end at death. A scammer can hijack an identity and create all sorts of problems after a loved one passes away.  In fact, stealing the identity of the recently deceased is a real problem. You can minimize the risk of a decedent falling prey to an identity thief by alerting those on this list from the National Funeral Directors Association:

• Social Security Administration
• All three credit reporting agencies- Experian, Equifax, and Transunion
• State Department of Motor Vehicles (if the decedent had a driver’s license)
• Credit card and merchant card companies
• Banks, savings and loan associations and credit unions
• Health, medical and dental insurers
• Auto insurers
• Any memberships held by the decedent (ex: health clubs, professional associations, clubs, library, etc.)

Contacting those on this list will reduce the chance of an identity thief stealing the identity of a loved one who has passed away.

Contributed by MH Arrowhead, Scottsdale and Phoenix Estate Planning Attorney and Partner, David T. Eastman.

Why Choose Morris Hall:
You have a number of options when it comes to estate planning, so why pick Morris Hall?  First off, estate planning and asset protection are a very complicated endeavor and you should only trust someone who focuses exclusively on those matters.  Also, MH is a proud member of The American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys (AAEPA) which provides us additional support, advanced training, tools and information that is not available to others – which means that we can better protect your assets and your loved ones.  We are one of only two firms in Arizona that belong to the AAEPA and are the only firm in New Mexico that has been granted membership.  If you have assets and loved ones that you want to protect, you are in good hands with MH.  Contact us today at 888.222.1328 to schedule an appointment!

This blog should be used for informational purposes only.  It does not create an attorney-client relationship with any reader and should not be construed as legal advice.  If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney in your community who can assess the specifics of your situation