I suggest to my clients that they are better off being pro-active and take certain steps to avoid any fraudulent activity. It is important to notify the Social Security Administration Office and each creditor of the deceased. Notify the three major credit reporting companies, Experian, TransUnion and Equifax in writing or online and submit a copy of the death certificate. If you receive mail at home in a mailbox, check it regularly. Mailings with pre approved offers for credit cards can be stolen, therefore notifying the credit agencies is very important.