Identity Theft and Online Fraud
What if I see fraudulent accounts opened in the deceased's name?
Short answer
File a police report. Contact the credit bureau where the fraudulent account appears and dispute it as fraud. Contact the creditor directly with the death certificate. File a complaint with the FTC at identitytheft.gov. In California, report to the California Attorney General's…
What this usually means
File a police report. Contact the credit bureau where the fraudulent account appears and dispute it as fraud. Contact the creditor directly with the death certificate. File a complaint with the FTC at identitytheft.gov. In California, report to the California Attorney General's office as well.
What to do next
- Start the PathAfter checklist for situation-aware first steps.
- Find California county phone numbers for coroner, vital records, and local offices.
- Open the First 72 Hours Call Log before making calls.
- Open the Documents to Find Checklist when you are ready for paperwork.