Benjamin Franklin once said, “in this world, nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.” While death is unavoidable, you leave a lot behind when you are gone. Besides your family and assets, you also leave a digital footprint.
While each person’s digital footprint varies, they are typically made up of things like email addresses, social media profiles, online banking accounts, and more. While some online profiles may allow your loved ones to see pictures and memories (i.e., Facebook, Instagram, etc.), they may also be tempting to nefarious individuals who want to use the information you left behind for fraudulent purposes.
You may wonder if there’s a way to prevent this. Here are some tips that can help:
Compile your information
A good first step in protecting your online presence is to compile your information. Make a list of all your online accounts, including your username and passwords.
Name a digital executor
Today, many people are also naming a digital executor. This is the person who will be given your online account information and your instructions regarding what they should do. Just like any other “last wishes” information, you should include your list of online accounts, what you want to be done with each one, and who you name as your digital executor in your estate plan.
Creating a plan for your digital presence
After you pass, you may want to ensure that certain accounts are closed or that your personal information and online presence aren’t used for fraud. The best way to do this is by ensuring you create a plan for your digital footprint in your estate plan.
With this, your family or friends will know your wishes and can ensure your online presence is handled based on your wants and needs.