Run a credit report & request a freeze

Sadly, there are people who look for recent deaths in the obituaries and then try to steal identities. They do so by opening credit card accounts in that person’s name, applying for loans, and paying for services in their name.

Running a credit report can help you find accounts that you might not have known your family member had. You should also freeze all accounts to prevent someone from opening new accounts, thereby preventing identity theft.

Here is the process:

1. Print & fill out the this form

2. Collect the following documents:

   • The completed form

   • A copy of the death certificate

   • A copy of the deceased’s ID.

   • A copy of your ID

   • If you are not the spouse, include a will/executor agreement or Power of Attorney documentation showing you are the executor

3. Send those documents to ALL THREE credit reporting companies by mail. Here are the addresses:

Experian

P.O. Box 2002

Allen, TX 75013

Equifax

P.O. Box 105139

Atlanta, GA 30348-5139

TransUnion

P.O. Box 2000

Chester, PA 19016