Could Adding Personal Information on a Headstone Lead to Identity Theft? 

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As far back as 3000 B.C., headstones, or grave markers, have served as permanent, enduring memorials to honor our loved ones who have passed away. A final gesture of love and respect, a promise that their memory will endure through time and generations.

And because the point of headstones is to commemorate and remember, these monuments traditionally bear personal information–the deceased person's name, birth and death dates, and perhaps a brief epitaph or other personal details that were important to that person. And as the digital age continues to evolve, there are ever-increasing beautiful options to add even more personal touches to headstones.

Striking a Balance

We’re not going to stop using headstones, and we should never feel stifled in our efforts to honor a loved one and mourn them properly. Digital memorials have many benefits. They allow family and friends to share personal memories, journal entries, life events, traditions, and interactive content such as videos and high-resolution photos without the risk of damage from fire, water, or negligence. There are photos and memorabilia that we all wish we had access to, but unless they’re digitized and shared, those precious items might stay locked up in someone’s attic instead of being treasured and enjoyed.

It’s unfortunate that some people take advantage of situations when we are vulnerable. Still, there are simple things we can do to strike a balance between honoring the memory of the deceased and protecting the privacy and security of their personal information. Being aware and using responsible companies and products can significantly reduce the risk of theft or other issues. 

Identity Theft Risks

The first step to protecting the identity of a deceased loved one, and their family and friends is to be aware of what information could be used maliciously. Thieves steal information daily from social media accounts, skimmed online credit card transactions, fuel pumps, bank statements, tax documents, public wifi usage, data breaches, and impersonation schemes. They’re searching for personal details– full names, birthdates, and even photographs–that can be used to apply for credit, open bank accounts, or engage in other forms of identity fraud.

The truth is that we all have personal information floating around in the world in various accessible forms. So, putting someone’s name and birthdate on a headstone doesn’t reveal anything new. We should still be cautious, but with the correct information and proactive planning, you can feel at ease when creating beautiful memorials for your loved ones.