Grave Robbers: How to Prevent Identity Theft of the Deceased

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There are three links below. The first link is a download of the form you can use to notify the state Department of Motor Vehicles of the death. The second link is a download of the forms you can use to request a death flag be added to the decedent’s credit files. The third link provides information to use for cancelling email and social media accounts.

Part 1: Department of Motor Vehicles notification form

Download this form

Click on the name of the state in which the decedent’s driver license was issued. You will be linked to the form you use to notify the Department of Motor Vehicles. Once you complete the form, print and sign it. Mail the signed form and any necessary attachments to the address listed for the Department of Motor Vehicles.

Part 2. Request the credit reporting agencies add a death flag.

The link will download the forms you need to use to request that Experian, Equifax and TransUnion add a death flag to the decedent’s credit records. Once you complete the forms print and sign them. Mail the signed form and any necessary attachments to each credit agency.

Use this form if you are a surviving spouse

Use this form if you are an executor

Use this form if you are a trustee

Use this form if you are not a surviving spouse and the estate is not subject to probate.

Part 3. Internet Service Provider Policies.

Each Internet Service Provider establishes rules and procedures for handling the account of the decedent.    A summary of these rules and procedures can be found in the DieSmart Digital Asset reference table.