Notify the Credit Bureaus of a Relative's Death

When a loved one dies, it's important to alert the credit reporting agencies (CRA's) of the death. Place a "deceased alert" with Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian to help prevent identity theft of the decedent. Here are the steps for placing a deceased alert:

1. Submit a request in writing to place the alert, and send it to the bureaus via certified mail (return receipt requested). As is true with all credit bureau correspondance, keep copies of everything you send and record the date sent and date a reply is received. A follow-up letter may be necessary. 
2. In your letter, include the decedent's full name, Social Security Number, most recent address, date of birth, and date of death. You'll also need to include a copy of the death certificate.
3. Ask that the decedent's report be flagged as "Deceased. Do not issue credit. If a request for credit is made, please notify _____ immediately."
4. If you are the spouse of the decendent, you can ask for a copy of the decedent's credit report so you'll have an accurate picture of his or her outstanding accounts. To have the credit report sent to an executor, a copy of executorship papers must be included with the letter.

See a sample letter here from the Identity Theft Resource Center. For additional steps to take upon the death of a loved one, read the SpendOnLife guide about Identity Theft of the Deceased. 

Mailing Addresses for the Credit Bureaus

Equifax Information Services LLC
Office of Consumer Affairs
P.O. Box 150139
Atlanta, GA 30348

Experian
PO Box 9701
Allen, TX 75013

TransUnion
PO Box 6790
Fullerton, CA 92834