Ask Terry Questions Data Breach

Data Breach

By Terry Savage on October 21, 2024 | Credit/Debt

I just received a Notice of Data Breach in my mothers name. The breach happened Feb 21 2024. Under normal circumstances I would file for the credit protection offered. However, mom passed away in May of 2020. At that time SSA locked her number immediately (per my call to SSA). Do I still have to worry about her SS number or not? If I do what all should I do for this.

Terry Says

You did the right thing by notifying Social Security. But you might also want to go to www.AnnualCreditReport.com and search to see if there have been any credit inquiries or accounts opened in her name. You’ll need her SS number and knowledge of recent addresses, etc. And you might not be able to get that info.
But since she is deceased, you are not responsible for any use of her SS number. So there’s really nothing to worry about if her estate is closed and all assets in her name have been transferred.

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