The last thing you expect when mourning the loss of a deceased relative is to find that their identity has been compromised and stolen. Unfortunately, these matters are not as uncommon as you may believe, as the recently departed are often targeted by thieves and scammers. However, it’s critical to understand the steps you can take with the help of a Los Angeles, California identity theft lawyer to help you reclaim your loved one’s identity and the steps you can take to prevent this from occurring again.
What Are the Signs That a Deceased Relative Has Had Their Identity Stolen?
Unfortunately, there are several reasons that identity thieves target the recently departed. One of the most common reasons is due to the fact that death records are public, which allows those with nefarious intentions an easier opportunity to pick targets. Additionally, many people are overwhelmed with grief and the process of planning funerals, to consider securing the identity of their loved ones, meaning thieves are able to open accounts before agencies update their databases to report the death.
When your loved one passes away, it can be incredibly overwhelming to navigate. However, understanding the signs that their identity is being used by another person is critical to ensure that you can protect their identity and prevent unnecessary stress.
Generally, one of the most prominent signs that a deceased individual’s identity has been assumed by another person is that you may begin receiving communications on their behalf in regards to new accounts, like mail, emails, or phone calls.
You may also want to begin monitoring their credit report, as any activity that occurs following their passing is a sign that someone is using their information for their own gain.
What Steps Should I Take to Secure Their Identity?
When you suspect that someone is using the identity of your loved one, it’s important to understand the steps you can take to protect their identity. Generally, the most important thing you can do is report the theft to the Federal Trade Commission and your local police department. Having both of these reports can help when disputing debts in your loved one’s name.
Next, you should contact the reporting agencies and request a deceased alert. This ensures that anyone who performs an inquiry on the account will see that your loved one has passed and that no lines of credit should be opened in their name.
Finally, you should check for activity associated with your loved one’s Social Security number. You may even want to consider investing in a monitoring service to help you stay alert to any activity.
As you can see, trying to handle identity theft while mourning the loss of your loved one can be incredibly difficult. As such, it’s in your best interest to connect with an experienced attorney with Los Angeles Legal Solutions. Our team understands how complicated these matters can be, which is why we are here to guide you through every step of the process. Contact us today to learn how we can fight for you during these complicated times.
