Legal Blog

The Weekly Scenario: Identity Theft and Protection of the Estate

Stolen identities and fraudulent usage of personal identifying information continues to be a big problem. These concerns grow when an estate includes digital assets that never existed only a few decades ago. As a result, being mindful of the risks of data breaches and understanding the need for the protection of electronic information have become critically important.

Identity Theft of a Deceased Individual

While technology allows us secure passwords, firewalls, and credit card chips to lessen the potential to become a victim, when a person dies, his identity can be illegally stolen, which is problematic for an estate that still has to safeguard assets and benefits for estate beneficiaries. Dealing with the identity theft of a deceased individual can complicate an already complex estate administration.

Steps to Prevent Identity Theft of Deceased

The executor of the decedent’s estate should take a number of steps depending on the specific estate.

Credit card companies, banks, and places where the deceased individual had accounts should be notified. There may be estate debts that will need to be addressed, and a death certificate will be required by each company. For closed accounts, it may be a good idea to list an alert on the account that the individual is deceased to prevent theft or forgery.

It may also be prudent to request a copy of the decedent’s credit report so you can check active credit cards, collection matters, or relevant account information. Some agencies that should be considered for notification include the Social Security Administration, Veteran’s Affairs, and MVA.

Homeowners insurance and other service providers offer a range of identity services and indemnity coverage to address the immediate potential for financial harm. In most instances, relying on guidance from insurer experts or an identity restoration service provider can be cost-effective and efficient.

Perhaps, the best protection against identity theft or fraud is to remain vigilant!

 

As always, if you have any questions or would like to learn more, please contact Steve Shane at sshane@offitkurman.com or 301.575.0313.

 

ABOUT STEVE SHANE

Steve Shane Casual Smallsshane@offitkurman.com | 301.575.0313

Steve Shane provides strategic counseling to clients in need of estate administration, charitable giving and business continuity planning while minimizing estate, gift, and generation-skipping transfer tax exposure. He offers legal guidance to clients on asset protection and the proper disposition of assets in accordance with the client’s objectives, while employing tax planning techniques such as the use of irrevocable trusts, life insurance planning, lifetime gifts, and a charitable trust. He is also experienced with drafting documents for business planning, the incorporation, and application for exemption for Private Foundations and the administration of decedents’ estates.

 

 

 

 

ABOUT OFFIT KURMAN

Offit Kurman, one of the fastest-growing, full-service law firms in the United States, serves dynamic businesses, individuals and families. With 16 offices and nearly 250 lawyers who counsel clients across more than 30 areas of practice, Offit Kurman helps maximize and protect business value and personal wealth by providing innovative and entrepreneurial counsel that focuses on clients’ business objectives, interests and goals. The firm is distinguished by the quality, breadth and global reach of its legal services and a unique operational structure that encourages a culture of collaboration. For more information, visit www.offitkurman.com.

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