How to Request a Permanent Fraud Alert for the Deceased

The increase in identity theft and credit card fraud has led the credit-reporting companies to develop several methods of consumer protection. One of these methods is called a fraud alert. The company places a fraud alert on a credit report when there has been some fraudulent activity involving the credit cards or Social Security number of the person. Fraud alerts are notations on the account that alert potential new creditors to an increased chance of fraud. Although fraud alerts typically only last for 90 days, they become permanent in the case of a deceased person.

Instructions

1

Locate and write down the deceased person's full name, address, date of birth and Social Security number.

2

Obtain the official death certificate for the deceased person and make a photocopy of it.

3

Write a letter to one of the three main credit reporting companies (Experian, TransUnion or Equifax) explaining that the person is deceased and that there has been fraudulent activity on the account. Include the required personal information about the deceased as well as a copy of the death certificate.

4

Request a copy of the deceased person's credit report from the agency and verify that the report bears a fraud alert as well as the word "deceased" written on it.