How to get a deceased person off mailing lists

I'm so sorry to hear that you're dealing with this situation.

Removing a deceased person from mailing lists can be a bit of a process, but I'll guide you through the steps to help you achieve this. Please note that the process may vary depending on the specific mailing lists and organizations involved.

Step 1: Notify the relevant organizations

  1. USPS (United States Postal Service): File a change of address form (PS Form 3575) with the USPS to request that mail be forwarded to the executor or administrator of the estate. You can also contact the USPS National Change of Address Center at 1-800-275-8777.
  2. Credit reporting agencies: Contact the three major credit reporting agencies (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) to report the death and request that the deceased person's credit report be frozen or removed from their mailing lists.
    • Equifax: 1-800-685-1111
    • Experian: 1-888-397-3742
    • TransUnion: 1-800-916-8800
  3. Credit card companies and banks: Contact the deceased person's credit card companies, banks, and other financial institutions to report the death and request that their accounts be closed or frozen.
  4. Insurance companies: Notify the deceased person's insurance companies to report the death and request that their policies be cancelled or adjusted.
  5. Mortgage and loan companies: Contact the mortgage and loan companies to report the death and request that the deceased person's accounts be closed or frozen.
  6. Charities and non-profit organizations: Reach out to any charities or non-profit organizations that the deceased person may have been supporting to report the death and request that their name be removed from their mailing lists.

Step 2: Contact specific mailing lists

  1. Direct mail companies: Contact direct mail companies that may have the deceased person's name and address on their mailing lists. You can search online for direct mail companies that specialize in specific industries (e.g., pharmaceuticals, insurance, etc.).
  2. Subscription services: Contact subscription services like magazine publishers, book clubs, or online services that the deceased person may have been subscribed to.
  3. Political organizations: Notify political organizations, such as political parties or advocacy groups, to report the death and request that the deceased person's name be removed from their mailing lists.

Step 3: Follow up and verify

  1. Verify the removal: After reporting the death to each organization, verify that the deceased person's name has been removed from their mailing lists.
  2. Follow up: If you encounter any issues or resistance, follow up with the organization to ensure that the deceased person's name is removed from their mailing lists.

Additional tips

  1. Keep records: Keep a record of all the organizations you contact, including the date and time of the contact, the name of the person you spoke with, and any confirmation numbers or reference numbers.
  2. Be patient: Removing a deceased person from mailing lists can take time, so be patient and persistent.
  3. Consider hiring a professional: If you're dealing with a large number of organizations or if the process becomes overwhelming, consider hiring a professional service to help you with the process.

Remember to be respectful and compassionate when communicating with these organizations. It's a difficult process, but it's essential to ensure that the deceased person's name is removed from their mailing lists to prevent unnecessary mailings and to respect their memory.