2. “Protecting Your Loved One’s Identity After Death: Reporting to Credit Bureaus”

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How to Report Death of a Relative to the Credit Bureaus

If a family member has recently passed away, it’s crucial to inform Experian and the other national credit bureaus. Reporting the death can help prevent criminals from using your loved one’s personal information for identity theft. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to report the death of a relative to the credit bureaus and what happens when you do.

Steps to Report Death of a Relative to the Credit Bureaus

1. Obtain a Copy of the Death Certificate

Do not provide the original death certificate. Instead, obtain a certified copy if you don’t already have one. Contact the vital records office of the state where the death occurred to request a copy—either online, in person, or via mail—and be prepared to answer questions about the deceased and your reasons for requesting the certificate.

2. Gather the Necessary Information

When contacting Experian, be ready to provide identifying information about your deceased loved one, including:

• Name of the deceased
• Social Security number
• Date of birth
• Date of death

You may also need to provide details about yourself, including your relationship to the deceased and any documentation that shows you have the authority to report their death.

3. Contact a Credit Bureau

Once you notify one credit bureau of a loved one’s death, it will notify the other two, so there’s no need to reach out to all three. Here’s how to report a death to Experian:

• Upload the death certificate online.
• Mail a copy of the death certificate to Experian’s Consumer Assistance Center, P.O. Box 4500, Allen, TX 75013.

What Happens to a Deceased Person’s Credit Report?

Once the credit reporting agencies are notified of an individual’s death, they’ll add a “deceased alert” to their credit reports. This alert helps prevent fraudulent activity by notifying creditors if someone tries to apply for credit in the deceased’s name. You may also request a credit freeze, which prohibits anyone from viewing your loved one’s credit reports.

The credit bureaus delete credit accounts seven years after being notified of a death, meaning your loved one’s credit report will no longer exist after all accounts have been removed.

Why Should You Report a Death to the Credit Bureaus?

It may not seem necessary to report a relative’s death to the national credit bureaus when the SSA and your loved one’s creditors are expected to do it. However, it can take time for that notification to happen, and some identity thieves try to capitalize on that delay. Reporting the death as quickly as possible can help avoid identity theft and safeguard joint accounts.

After completing the request, check your relative’s credit reports to ensure it was satisfied and to verify no fraudulent activity has occurred since their death. If you find inaccurate information, you have the right to file a dispute with the credit bureaus.

Monitor Your Own Credit to Avoid Identity Theft

Regularly monitoring your credit is one of the best ways to avoid identity theft. With Experian’s free credit monitoring service, you’ll get access to your FICO® Score and Experian credit report, along with real-time alerts when changes are made to your report. Keeping an eye on your credit can help you better understand how your actions impact your credit score and make it easier to spot potential problems and inaccuracies.

For any mortgage service needs, call O1ne Mortgage at 213-732-3074. We are here to assist you with the best service possible.

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