Debt, Credit, and Financial Identity
What is a deceased alert and should I place one?
Short answer
A notice to the credit bureaus that the person has died. It flags the credit file and makes it harder for identity thieves to open new accounts in the deceased's name. Send a certified death certificate to Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion separately…
What this usually means
A notice to the credit bureaus that the person has died. It flags the credit file and makes it harder for identity thieves to open new accounts in the deceased's name. Send a certified death certificate to Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion separately. This is one of the more important identity protection steps after a death.
What to do next
- Start the PathAfter checklist for situation-aware first steps.
- Find California county help for coroner contacts, vital records, cost tools, and paperwork.
- Open the First 72 Hours Call Log before making calls.
- Open the Documents to Find Checklist when you are ready for paperwork.