What is Ghosting?

2,200 VICTIMS PER DAY

"Nearly 800,000 of those deceased are deliberately targeted, roughly 2,200 a day. With a name, address and birth date in hand, they [criminals] can illicitly purchase the person's Social Security number for as little as $10
It's called ghosting"
- AARP

It can take 6 months for organizations to fully recognize your death

According to AARP, it can take six months for financial institutions, credit-reporting bureaus and the Social Security Administration to receive, share or register death records, giving crooks ample time to rack up charges. Criminals and other bad actors have learned to use the widely available funeral announcements to build a list of potential targets. Without proper protection, you and your loved ones could fall victim to identity theft during one of the most challenging times in life.

How common is ghosting?

In 2011, criminals falsely filed returns of the dead and collected a staggering $5.2 Billion from the IRS.

How can I protect myself from Ghosting?

Final Security can help you protect yourself with services that provide the tools you need to properly plan your estate and control your digital information and assets upon death.

Info Vault

Final Security's Info Vault is a place where you can store your digital information:

• Store your usernames and passwords to any service (you can also store files and notes with each entry).
• Store your photos: save a single, memorable photo or a collection you'd like to pass on.
• Store your documents, such as a will, or a collection of information your beneficiaries will need.

Your Info Vault creates an efficient, organized and central place for your beneficiary to find all your important information after your passing.

Device Cleaning

With Final Security's Device Cleaning service, you can have that peace of mind that your registered devices will be remotely wiped upon the confirmation of your passing. Our service will ensure that your sensitive and private information will not be seen by anyone but you. We will protect not only your legacy, but provide protection to your family and friends by making sure your private information does not get into the wrong hands.

Social Media Cleaning

Social Clean is Final Security's service that allows you to know that your online accounts do not live on the web forever. Not only does this service protect your legacy and information, it also protects your family and friends. Bad actors are looking to capitalize on the window of time where your death may not be publicly known or officially recognized. In this window of time, your family and friends could fall victim to a scam that looks like it is coming from your account.

Kirchheimer, S. (2019). Protecting Deceased Loved Ones From Identity Theft - Family. AARP. from https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/info-03-2013/protecting-the-dead-from-identity-theft.html