What to do if…
you suspect someone is accessing the money or property of a person who has died

What to do now

1. Deal with immediate danger or active theft first.
   If someone is breaking in, removing property, threatening anyone, or refusing to leave, call 911. If the incident already happened and no one is in danger, use the local police non-emergency number and ask how to make a report.

2. Contact each bank, credit union, credit card company, and brokerage.
   Ask for the bereavement, deceased accounts, or fraud team. Say: “The account holder has died, and I am concerned about unauthorized access.” Ask what they can do now to restrict withdrawals, block cards, lock online access, and note the suspected fraud. Ask what documents they need next, such as a death certificate or proof that someone is the personal representative.

3. Write down exactly what you noticed.
   Make one simple list with dates, times, account names, missing items, suspicious messages, mail issues, people with keys, and who you contacted. Keep screenshots, envelopes, receipts, call reference numbers, and photos together.

4. Report identity theft or fraud through the federal reporting route.
   Use IdentityTheft.gov if the deceased person’s identity may have been used. Use ReportFraud.ftc.gov for scams, imposters, or suspicious business contact. Keep the report numbers and copies.

5. Ask an authorized person to contact the credit bureaus.
   The personal representative, spouse, or another legally authorized person can ask the major credit bureaus what they need to mark the credit file as deceased and check for new accounts, hard inquiries, or address changes. They may ask for a death certificate and proof of authority.

6. Secure the home only in a minimal, evidence-friendly way if you are allowed.
   If you have authority or lawful access, collect spare keys, note who has copies, photograph rooms and valuables as found, and keep receipts for any urgent lock or alarm work. Avoid sorting, distributing, selling, or moving belongings unless it is necessary to prevent immediate loss.

7. Reduce mail-based theft risk if you are authorized for the address.
   Ask USPS about Hold Mail if delivery needs to pause while the estate is being handled. If mail has been stolen, redirected, or used to get account information, report it to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.

8. Check real property records if a home or land may be targeted.
   Contact the county recorder, county clerk, or registrar of deeds where the property is located. Ask how to check recent filings and what options exist if you suspect a forged deed, unauthorized transfer, or fraudulent filing.

9. Tell the person handling the estate, if that is not you.
   Send a short factual message: what you observed, when it happened, what institutions you contacted, any report numbers, and what still needs attention. Ask them to take over formal notifications and keep a single record.