A: NextGen Bridge helps protect their name and legacy, their estate, and makes things easier on their executors.
Q: What are the advantages of offering NextGen Bridge to my clients?
A: NextGen Bridge helps to differentiate your business by offering a value-added service to your clients. Additionally, it can also help grow your business as it is designed to facilitate introductions to the “next generation” at a critical time. This can be a meaningful way to guard against the transfer of assets that is often seen when a client passes and their estate is moved to their heirs.
Q: How does NextGen Bridge help me as it relates to 'next generation' introductions?
A: The program is designed to drive the executor of your client’s estate back to you in order to fulfill the service when your client passes away. This will be one of the first things they do in order to prevent fraud, well before assets are moved and as such, provides you with an opportunity to start building a relationship with your clients’ heir(s).
Q: How long does it take to sign up for service?
A: It only takes 5 minutes.
Q: Can I order service for a client to fulfill on their own or do I need to help them fulfill?
A: You can either request a one-time fulfillment code that can be sent directly to the executor to fulfill at home, or your can have the one time fulfillment code emailed directly to you so that you can help the executor through the process in your office.
Q: How long does it take to fulfill the service if I choose to help take on that task?
A: About 15 minutes.
Q: How can NextGen Bridge be used?
A: The NextGen Bridge product will be used by your existing clients as part of supporting their executor with the settling of their estate.
Q: Why is deceased identity theft (ghosting) such an important issue to become involved with as a financial advisor?
A: The identities of almost 2.5 million deceased Americans are used every year to open fraudulent accounts and services1, something that can lead to complications and delays with the settlement of a client’s estate. This is why it is important as a financial advisor to become involved holistically in their financial planning, showing the value you provide and demonstrating that you are looking out for your clients’ best interests.
Q: I don't do estate planning - why should I provide NextGen Bridge to my clients?
A: Whether you currently provide estate planning services or not, offering your clients NextGen Bridge provides an opportunity to position yourself with the next generation inheritors of your clients’ wealth. This is key to retention, as studies have shown that 90% of heirs fire their parent’s advisor. NextGen Bridge is a simple, low-cost and easy way for you to become top of mind with your clients’ executors, providing you with the opportunity to add value during a difficult time for your clients’ families.
Questions Clients May Ask You about NextGen Bridge...
Q: What is deceased identity theft?
A: Identity theft and identity fraud refer to types of crime where someone obtains and uses another person’s personal data in a matter that involves fraud or deception, typically for economic gain. Deceased identity theft is specific to the use of a deceased individual’s information to commit fraud, which can cause issues during the settlement of an estate.
Q: Why does an estate need to be protected against deceased identity theft?
A: Fraudulent use of the identity of the deceased is very costly and it can take years to correct identity theft once initiated. It is virtually impossible to settle an estate until the fraudulent lines of credit are shut down and the charges cleared. NextGen Bridge helps prevent the risk of identity theft.
Q: Is deceased identity theft fraud a 'victimless crime'?
A: Deceased identity theft fraud can cause extreme issues for the people that need to settle the estate – loved ones or beneficiaries of the deceased. Identity theft of a loved one who has passed away is a traumatic event that can happen at a very stressful time.
Q: Are people really stealing identities of deceased individuals?
A: Absolutely. The identities of almost 2.5 million deceased Americans are used every year to create fraudulent accounts and open new services. This type of identity theft can go unnoticed for a longer period than that of a living person. There is also a larger window of opportunity for fraudulent activity. Criminals know that people are not monitoring statements and accounts that would usually raise the typical red flags.
Q: What does the NextGen Bridge service provide?
A: NextGen Bridge provides deceased notification letters, web links, and phone numbers for financial institution, government agencies, and more.
We help minimize the possibility of criminals using the name of the deceased to open accounts in their name. You will be able to submit notifications faster than an individual doing this on their own. This is crucial to help stop deceased identity theft before it begins.
Q: Why are the notifications sent to the Executor instead of directly to the organizations?
A: Most organizations require that notifications come directly from the Executor or person responsible. In addition, many organizations require sensitive information such as Death Certificates and Proof of Executorship be sent to them directly.
Q: Why wouldn't the Executor create the notifications themselves?
A: They could. However, executors are often in this role for the first time, and typically do not know what to do, how to do it and who to contact to protect their loved one’s estate from this growing problem. NextGen Bridge accomplishes these tasks much faster and more thoroughly than an Executor doing it themselves.
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