What if I see fraudulent accounts opened in the deceased's name?

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 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.

Related questions

• How do identity thieves know when someone has died?
• What steps should I take to protect a deceased person's identity?
• What is a deceased credit freeze?
• What are Medicare fraud risks after a death?
• What if I get a tax refund check in the deceased's name?