Grieving the loss of a loved one is an emotionally and mentally challenging experience. Still, amid the turmoil of the grieving process, it’s essential to address the deceased’s financial matters and protect their credit information. Requesting a credit freeze is a crucial first step.

By following this process, you can safeguard their financial status and protect yourself and other loved ones from potential fraud or identity theft.

Why a credit freeze is necessary after a loved one’s death

A credit freeze is like a lock on someone’s credit report, making it harder for identity thieves to use their information for fraud.

When a loved one passes away, their financial details become vulnerable. Freezing their credit will:

—Prevent identity theft

—Prevent new accounts from being fraudulently opened under their name

—Protect sensitive information

Without a credit freeze, the deceased’s personal data, such as their Social Security number (SSN), could be stolen and used to open credit cards or other financial accounts. Some criminals use obituaries, death certificates and other information to steal the identities of people who have died. They might open new accounts or commit other crimes under the deceased’s name, causing problems for living relatives.

Freezing credit makes it much tougher for thieves to open new accounts or misuse existing ones.

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