Why is It Important to Notify the Credit Bureaus of a Death?

Notifying a credit bureau of a death is an important step in managing the deceased person's financial affairs and protecting their identity.

Unfortunately, there are many fraudsters out in the world. Informing credit bureaus helps prevent fraudsters from using the deceased person's identity to open new accounts or make fraudulent transactions. It ensures that the deceased person’s credit report is properly marked and that no new credit activity is mistakenly attributed to them.

It helps in managing and settling the estate, ensuring that creditors are informed and that the deceased’s financial obligations are handled correctly. It helps maintain accurate records and prevents confusion or errors in the deceased’s credit history.

When notifying credit bureaus, you will typically need to provide a copy of the death certificate and proof of your authority to act on behalf of the deceased (such as being named in the will or as an executor). Be sure to go to my “Resources” tab for more information.