Protecting the identity of the deceased

Search: More on protection against identity theft

- Check your credit hasn't been tampered with
- Tips on avoiding identity theft

Sadly, impersonating the dead is now Britain's top form of identity theft according to CIFAS, the fraud protection service, which has revealed a 66% increase in reported incidents since January 2007.

It would appear that with the credit crunch hitting finances, fraudsters are turning to extreme measures.

Leading ID fraud expert, Equifax, is therefore warning families to be extra vigilant when dealing with matters after the death of a loved one.

"It's an unfortunate fact that fraudsters look through the obituary pages to identify new names to use for ID fraud", confirmed Neil Munroe, External Affairs Director, Equifax. "They then build up identities by intercepting mail, obtaining copy birth certificates and using personal details on bills and other documents to open new accounts and defraud companies."

The most effective way of spotting identity fraud is to obtain a copy of the deceased's credit file. An executor can apply for another person's credit file, by contacting Equifax by post or telephone. They will need to provide evidence of their status as an executor and proof of death.

If it's thought that the identity of a deceased person is at risk, a relative or executor can also subscribe to the CIFAS Protective Registration service. Equifax runs this on behalf of CIFAS.

A notice will be placed on the deceased's credit file informing lenders that there may be a risk of identity fraud. To register telephone 08700 102 091.

Top tips to help prevent deceased fraud

• When placing death notices, don't include details such as age, date of birth, or address. This information can be used by a fraudster to open a new account, or change the details of an existing one.

• Ensure you inform all government departments of the loss and return pension and benefits allowance books, passports and driving licences by recorded delivery.

• Contact all banks, credit card companies and other lenders to inform them of the death and close all accounts.

• If you decide to take clothing and belongings to a charity shop, ensure there are no documents left in pockets, wallets or bags.

• All old documents including direct mail, television licence, utility bills and council tax should be shredded before being thrown away. Fraudsters look through rubbish bins for these sorts of documents which can be used to open new accounts.

• Contact the Royal Mail to establish whether there has already been a mail re-direction set up. A fraudster may have done this to intercept mail. Organise for mail to be re-directed to a trusted family member or friend.

• Sign up to the Mailing Preference Service - http://www.mpsonline.org.uk/mpsr/mps_choosetype.html or telephone 020 7291 3310 - to stop direct mail, including offers of loans and credit cards, being sent to the deceased person.

This is a free service. The Direct Marketing Association estimates that 22 million items of direct mail are sent to dead people each year. Identity fraudsters use the details included in direct mail to impersonate the dead.