My condolences upon the passing of your wife.
Is it a matter of public record when someone passes away, and are records such as Social Security public knowledge? I don’t know; just asking the question. It seems odd that American Express would contact you in this manner.
Public record, of course, but does the recording agent then have the right to send out this info to any and all financial institutions? My real estate taxes are a matter of public record but Nassau County does not send them to any and all law firms interested in getting me to retain them to reduce my taxes. Those firms must be proactive and seek the info. The caller told me notice of my wife’s death has been sent to credit card companies, banks, and lending institutions for them to match against their records. That goes somewhat beyond allowing access to public inf.
“Is it a matter of public record when someone passes away, and are records such as Social Security public knowledge?”
A funeral home has to contact Social Security when they have a body.