Tamiami Trail North, Suite C-105, Naples, FL 34103

Dealing with both the death of a loved one and money matters at the same time can be overwhelming. Important financial decisions must be made within a relatively short period of time. This can include making final/funeral arrangements, legal matters related to the estate, and sorting out bank and financial records. Being consumed with grief can often make someone a target for crooks who prey on the vulnerable, especially the widow/widower. These acts of fraud often go unnoticed for several years before family members realize that a theft has occurred. These crimes cause additional stress and heartache for surviving family members. The following are several steps that you can take both in-person and online immediately after the death occurs to prevent an after-death identify theft.

1. 
   Limit the Amount of Information Published in an Obituary. It isn’t uncommon for a thief to burglarize the home during the funeral service. Always have someone remain in the home during the funeral service or hire a security service to monitor the property.
   
2. 
   Request Certified Copies of Death Certificates:
   

3. 
   Disposal of Medications & Prescription Drugs:
   

4. 
   Monitor the Deceased’s Credit Report: Within 4-6 weeks after death, check the credit report of the deceased person to determine if there is any suspicious activity.
   

5. 
   Remove As Much Online Personal Information: Remove any personal information of your loved one’s digital footprint. Deactivate any social media accounts. Shut down email accounts. Close any online accounts with banking & financial institutions.