You can help protect a deceased relative or friend’s identity by taking some simple precautions:

• If you place an obituary notice in a newspaper don’t include details such as age, date of birth, maiden name or address. These can provide criminals with the initial information they need to commit the fraud.

• Ensure that all relevant organizations are informed of the death. This can understandably be a very difficult time and therefore our checklist may be of help. This details most organisations and also contains helpful contact details and links.

• Contact the Royal Mail to have mail redirected to yourself or another responsible person. Also check with the Royal Mail that a redirection has not already been put in place, another favourite of fraudsters when trying to obtain the deceased’s information.

• If you take clothing or other belongings to charity shops ensure that all personal documents are removed from pockets, wallets or handbags.

• If you use a house clearance company also ensure that any documents are removed. Check drawers, wardrobes and any other areas where documents may have been stored.

• Any correspondence which is not required and which contains any personal details should be shredded or burned and not placed intact in refuse bins. This not only applies to bank statements or official communications but to all personally addressed mail. A simple personalised gift catalogue, for example, could provide sufficient information for a fraudster.

• If the deceased’s home is left unoccupied make sure that the house is checked regularly and that all mail is removed.

• If the house is put on to the property market, ask the estate agent not to include ‘vacant possession’ in advertising literature and ensure that all viewings are accompanied.

• Register the deceased’s details with the Deceased Preference Service. This will not only ensure that unsolicited mailings are stopped but will help ensure that any credit applications made in the deceased’s name are prevented.

• Don’t assume that it won’t happen. Sadly deceased identity fraud is a very real risk, but by following the above guidelines you can help to prevent it.