When a loved one passes away, the immediate focus for many families involves handling legal matters and emotional burdens, which often leads to vital concerns about identity protection being overlooked. Scammers frequently take advantage of the death of individuals, capitalizing on the information gaps left as families manage their affairs. The article emphasizes that just because someone has died doesn’t mean their identity is safe; it can still be at risk if proper precautions aren't taken.

The article features a real question from a reader, Janet, who is navigating the aftermath of her husband's passing. She expresses her worries about identity theft, noting that while she has taken steps such as freezing her and her husband's credit with the major credit bureaus, she wonders if there are additional measures she should consider. This underscores a common problem that families face in these circumstances: while the legal and financial checklist may seem comprehensive, identity protection often goes unaddressed, despite being critically important.

Given the rise in identity theft, especially concerning deceased individuals, the article advises families to be proactive. This includes reporting the death to the credit bureaus, obtaining copies of the deceased's credit reports, and considering identity theft protection services. By implementing these measures, families can better safeguard the identities of their loved ones, ensuring they aren’t exploited by fraudulent schemes after their passing.