Harris Texas Checklist for Remedying Identity Theft of Deceased Persons

• Category: Criminal - Identity Theft
• State: Multi-State
• County: Harris
• Control #: US-00728
• Format: Word; Rich Text

Description

This Checklist for Remedying Identity Theft of Deceased Persons helps persons who discover that a deceased person’s identity has been stolen and used by an imposter for personal gain to document and organize the identity theft reporting process. It includes important steps to take when communicating with creditors, credit reporting agencies, law enforcement agencies and other entities regarding the deceased person’s identity theft. Harris County, Texas Checklist for Remedying Identity Theft of Deceased Persons: Identity theft is a serious crime that can even affect the deceased. Harris County, Texas provides a comprehensive checklist for remedying identity theft in such cases. By following this checklist, you can help protect the integrity of your loved one's identity and prevent any further fraudulent activities. Here is a detailed description of the Harris Texas Checklist for Remedying Identity Theft of Deceased Persons: 1. Obtain Death Certificate: Begin by obtaining several official copies of the deceased person's death certificate. These documents are crucial for resolving identity theft issues and proving the death. 2. Notify Appropriate Authorities: Contact the three major credit bureaus, namely Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion, to inform them about the death of the individual. Request a "deceased alert" or "deceased flag" to be placed on their credit report. Submit the death certificate and any other relevant documentation requested. 3. Close Financial Accounts: Contact all banks, credit card companies, and financial institutions where the deceased had accounts. Inform them of the death and request a freeze or closure of the accounts to prevent any further unauthorized access or fraudulent transactions. 4. Monitor Existing Accounts: Regularly monitor the deceased person's existing financial and online accounts for any suspicious activity. This includes bank statements, credit card statements, and online accounts such as email and social media platforms. Report anything unusual immediately and follow the provider's recommended procedures for account closure or freezing. 5. Social Security Administration Notification: Notify the Social Security Administration (SSA) about the death of the individual by calling their toll-free number or visiting their local office. Provide them with the necessary information, including the deceased person's Social Security number, death certificate, and any other requested documents. 6. File IRS Form 14039: To safeguard against tax-related identity theft, file an IRS Form 14039, Identity Theft Affidavit, with the Internal Revenue Service. This form notifies the IRS about the individual's passing and helps prevent unauthorized tax filings using their identity. 7. Inform Insurance Providers: Contact the deceased person's insurance providers, including health, life, and auto insurance, to cancel or transfer policies. Provide them with the death certificate and follow their specific procedures regarding beneficiary claims or policy closures. 8. Notify Government Agencies: Inform relevant government agencies, such as the Department of Motor Vehicles, voter registration offices, and any state-specific agencies, about the death. Follow their guidelines to cancel or transfer registrations and other official documents. 9. Additional Steps: Depending on the deceased person's circumstances, there may be additional steps required. These can include notifying professional associations, canceling subscriptions, terminating utility services, informing employers, and confirming the execution of the deceased's will or estate plan. Different Types of Harris Texas Checklist for Remedying Identity Theft of Deceased Persons: It is important to note that while the overall checklist for remedying identity theft of deceased persons may remain the same, the specific steps and procedures might vary depending on the individual's circumstances, the agencies involved, and the applicable laws in Harris County, Texas. Each case of identity theft of a deceased person might require customization, taking into account the unique aspects of the situation. In conclusion, the Harris County, Texas Checklist for Remedying Identity Theft of Deceased Persons provides a comprehensive guide for handling such cases. By following this checklist and taking the necessary steps promptly, you can protect the deceased person's identity and prevent further harm caused by identity theft and fraud.

Harris County, Texas Checklist for Remedying Identity Theft of Deceased Persons: Identity theft is a serious crime that can even affect the deceased. Harris County, Texas provides a comprehensive checklist for remedying identity theft in such cases. By following this checklist, you can help protect the integrity of your loved one's identity and prevent any further fraudulent activities. Here is a detailed description of the Harris Texas Checklist for Remedying Identity Theft of Deceased Persons: 1. Obtain Death Certificate: Begin by obtaining several official copies of the deceased person's death certificate. These documents are crucial for resolving identity theft issues and proving the death. 2. Notify Appropriate Authorities: Contact the three major credit bureaus, namely Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion, to inform them about the death of the individual. Request a "deceased alert" or "deceased flag" to be placed on their credit report. Submit the death certificate and any other relevant documentation requested. 3. Close Financial Accounts: Contact all banks, credit card companies, and financial institutions where the deceased had accounts. Inform them of the death and request a freeze or closure of the accounts to prevent any further unauthorized access or fraudulent transactions. 4. Monitor Existing Accounts: Regularly monitor the deceased person's existing financial and online accounts for any suspicious activity. This includes bank statements, credit card statements, and online accounts such as email and social media platforms. Report anything unusual immediately and follow the provider's recommended procedures for account closure or freezing. 5. Social Security Administration Notification: Notify the Social Security Administration (SSA) about the death of the individual by calling their toll-free number or visiting their local office. Provide them with the necessary information, including the deceased person's Social Security number, death certificate, and any other requested documents. 6. File IRS Form 14039: To safeguard against tax-related identity theft, file an IRS Form 14039, Identity Theft Affidavit, with the Internal Revenue Service. This form notifies the IRS about the individual's passing and helps prevent unauthorized tax filings using their identity. 7. Inform Insurance Providers: Contact the deceased person's insurance providers, including health, life, and auto insurance, to cancel or transfer policies. Provide them with the death certificate and follow their specific procedures regarding beneficiary claims or policy closures. 8. Notify Government Agencies: Inform relevant government agencies, such as the Department of Motor Vehicles, voter registration offices, and any state-specific agencies, about the death. Follow their guidelines to cancel or transfer registrations and other official documents. 9. Additional Steps: Depending on the deceased person's circumstances, there may be additional steps required. These can include notifying professional associations, canceling subscriptions, terminating utility services, informing employers, and confirming the execution of the deceased's will or estate plan. Different Types of Harris Texas Checklist for Remedying Identity Theft of Deceased Persons: It is important to note that while the overall checklist for remedying identity theft of deceased persons may remain the same, the specific steps and procedures might vary depending on the individual's circumstances, the agencies involved, and the applicable laws in Harris County, Texas. Each case of identity theft of a deceased person might require customization, taking into account the unique aspects of the situation. In conclusion, the Harris County, Texas Checklist for Remedying Identity Theft of Deceased Persons provides a comprehensive guide for handling such cases. By following this checklist and taking the necessary steps promptly, you can protect the deceased person's identity and prevent further harm caused by identity theft and fraud.