In this article:
If a family member has recently passed away, it's a good idea to report the death to Experian and the other national credit bureaus. Reporting the death can limit criminals' ability to use your loved one's personal information to commit identity theft.
Here's how to properly report the death of a relative to the credit bureaus and what happens when you do.
Why Should You Report a Death to the Credit Bureaus?
Experian and the other credit reporting agencies (TransUnion and Equifax) are typically notified of a death by the Social Security Administration (SSA) or the deceased person's creditors. But it can take some time for that notification to happen, and some identity thieves try to capitalize on that delay to use your loved one's information for nefarious purposes.
Here's why it's a good idea to report the death as quickly as possible:
- It can help avoid identity theft. Until the credit bureaus have placed a deceased alert on your loved one's credit file, anyone could try to use their personal information to apply for credit in their name.
- It can safeguard joint accounts. If you have a joint account with the deceased loved one, notifying the credit bureaus and lenders of their death can help prevent the account from being closed. In some cases, you may be able to ask the lender to keep the account open and put it in your name only.
Learn more: What to Do When Someone Dies: A Complete Checklist
How to Report Death of a Relative to the Credit Bureaus
To speed up the process and protect your loved one's identity, it's recommended that you notify Experian as quickly as possible. Keep in mind that only a spouse or other legally authorized person, such as the executor of an estate, can report a death to the bureaus. Here's how to do it.
1. Obtain a Copy of the Death Certificate
If you don't already have one, you'll need a certified copy of your loved one's death certificate. Whatever you do, don't provide the original death certificate.
To get a certified copy, contact the vital records office of the state where the death occurred. You'll be instructed on how to request a copy—either online, in person or via mail—and the cost.
Note that you may be asked questions about the deceased person and your reasons for requesting a copy of the certificate.
2. Gather the Information You Need
When contacting Experian, be ready to provide the following identifying information about your deceased loved one:
- Name of the deceased
- Social Security number
- Date of birth
- Date of death
You may also need to provide some details about yourself, including your relationship to the deceased and any documentation that shows you have the authority to report their death.
3. Contact a Credit Bureau
Once you notify one credit bureau of a loved one's death, it'll notify the other two, so there's no need to reach out to all three. Here's how to report a death to Experian:
- Upload the death certificate online.
- Mail a copy of the death certificate to Experian's Consumer Assistance Center, P.O. Box 4500, Allen, TX 75013.
After you've completed the request, it's important to check your relative's credit reports to make sure it was satisfied. While you're at it, also make sure there's no fraudulent activity that's occurred since their death. If you find inaccurate information, you have the right to file a dispute with the credit bureaus.
Learn more: Financial Steps to Take After the Death of a Spouse
What Happens to a Deceased Person's Credit Report?
Once the credit reporting agencies are notified of an individual's death, they'll add a "deceased alert" to their credit reports. If someone tries to apply for credit in their name, the creditor will receive this alert and can stop the process to prevent fraudulent activity.
You also have the right to request a credit freeze, which limits access to your loved one's credit reports.
The credit bureaus delete credit accounts seven years after being notified of a death, which means that your loved one's credit report will no longer exist after all accounts have been removed.
Learn more: What Happens to Your Credit File When You Die?
Frequently Asked Questions
Who Can Report a Death to Credit Bureaus?
Only a surviving spouse or someone with legal authority, such as an estate executor or administrator, can report a death. If you aren't the spouse, you'll need court documentation showing you're authorized to act on the deceased person's behalf.
Can I Dispute Items on a Deceased Relative's Credit Report?
A spouse or authorized representative can dispute inaccurate information on a deceased person's credit report. Send the dispute along with the death certificate and proof of your authority, and allow up to 30 days for the investigation, or 45 days in some cases.
Do I Need to Notify Anyone Else of a Relative's Death?
Along with the credit bureaus, notify the Social Security Administration (SSA) and any banks, lenders or insurers holding accounts in your relative's name. Funeral homes often report deaths to the SSA if you provide their Social Security number. But you can also report it yourself by calling 800-772-1213.
Monitor Your Own Credit to Avoid Identity Theft
There are many steps you can take to protect yourself from identity theft, one of which is to regularly monitor your credit. With Experian's free credit monitoring service, you'll get access to your FICO® Score☉ Θ and Experian credit report, along with real-time alerts when changes are made to your report.
Keeping an eye on your credit can help you better understand how your actions impact your credit score and also make it easier to spot potential problems and inaccuracies, so you can address them before they damage your credit.