How to Handle Digital Assets of the Deceased

We did not have access any digital accounts -- social media, bank accounts, credit cards, other financial credentials and so on. Let's check out on how you can close digital accounts of the deceased. Upon canceling a credit card, you get to cancel all the online subscription payments associated with the credit card. If you are the assigned legacy contact, fill out this form and provide your name and email, along with the name of the deceased and the URL of their timeline. If you are not the assigned legacy contact, the fastest way to close an account is to provide a scanned copy of the death certificate. Fill out this form and provide proof of death. With Twitter, you need to fill a privacy form to report a death. A death certificate, along with your username and proof of relationship with the deceased, is mandatory to get the account gets deleted. Any family member or representative can reach out to Google to close the account, request funds from the deceased's account or to obtain data. Email care@pinterest.com with the following information: Your full name The full name of the deceased A link to the deceased user's profile Proof of their death along with documents supporting your relationship with them Similarly, you can close eBay and Amazon by contacting support and providing necessary information.

Author: Surya Prakash Singh / Source: Entrepreneur

How to Handle Digital Assets of the Deceased

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

My grandfather, who was devoted to his daughters and grandchildren, left us abruptly earlier this year. It was one of the biggest and most tragic losses of my life. The day before his passing, I remember how he brushed my hair with his smile and gentle look. My heart sank looking at him in an idle motion.

As if losing him wasn’t enough, we were dealt with another setback. My grandpa didn’t have a will. His physical assets were divided evenly, but what about his digital legacy? We did not have access any digital accounts — social media, bank accounts, credit cards, other financial credentials and so on. It was utterly chaotic for us.

Was it hard looking after his digital legacy without him? Absolutely. According to a recent report, more than 3 billion individuals use social media every day, and 70 percent of the population don’t have their digital information stored to pass on to their next generation.

Let’s check out on how you can close digital accounts of the deceased.

Credit cards.

Collect all cards, and contact the associated helpline numbers immediately. Confirm identity with the deceased’s name, social security number and the reason you need to cancel the card. Upon canceling a credit card, you get to cancel all the online subscription payments associated with the credit card. One shot, many birds!

Paypal.

If you are aware of the email and password associated with the deceased:

Log in to their account and withdraw all funds by hitting “Withdraw” button.
Go to “My Settings,” select “Account Type” followed by “Close Account” and continue.

If you don’t have the required email and password credentials:

If a will exists, you need to send them a copy of the will, along with executor details.
If there is no will, you have to send them a letter that states your relationship with the deceased, a government issued ID card and death certificate.
A check will be issued in account holder’s name if there are any funds in the account.