Data Broker Opt-Out Steps Widows Should Take in 90 Days Following the death of a spouse, personal information becomes readily available through obituaries and data brokers, making grieving families prime targets for scammers. This article outlines crucial steps to protect personal data, including managing obituary details, removing information from people-search sites, and updating security questions. It also advises on freezing credit, limiting access to Social Security data, and verifying financial communications to prevent fraud.

• Scammers target grieving families by exploiting personal information found in obituaries and data broker profiles.
• Obituaries can provide a ‘family map’ of names, relationships, and locations that scammers use.
• Steps to protect yourself include reviewing and modifying obituary details, removing personal information from data broker sites, and setting up Google Alerts for your name.
• Updating security questions with fabricated answers is essential, as data brokers often contain answers to common security questions.
• Freezing credit with all three major bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion) for both yourself and your deceased spouse is critical.
• Limiting access to the Death Master File and verifying all financial communications directly with institutions helps prevent scams.
• Slowing down urgent financial requests and establishing clear communication expectations with family can stop panic-driven decisions.