Mortascreen Deceased Data Suppression
Mortascreen is an essential data suppression file, which includes Names, Addresses, and details about the individual’s death, and is designed to help companies keep their contact lists accurate and up to date by identifying and suppressing records of deceased individuals from their databases. As of June 2024, the Mortascreen file contains over 11 million records.
The use of the Mortascreen file is not legally mandatory, but utilising this file is highly recommended and considered best practice for businesses that engage in direct marketing to use such services to maintain data accuracy and ensure they maintain respectful and accurate information for their contacts, preventing the distress caused by sending communications to the deceased and family of the deceased.
Introduction
What it is:
Mortascreen is a data suppression file that enables a company to identify and suppress records of deceased individuals from their databases. This service ensures that communications are not mistakenly sent to deceased individuals or their family, maintaining respectful and accurate contact lists.
The specific data available within the Mortascreen file typically includes:
Full Name: The complete name of the deceased individual.
Address: This includes detailed address information such as:
- House number and street name
- Locality
- Town/City
- Postcode
Date of Death: The date when the individual passed away.
Source of Information: This indicates where the information about the death was obtained.
Date of Record: The date when the record was added to the Mortascreen database.
Legal Compliance
Relevant Regulations:
Mortascreen ensures companies comply with regulations such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), it is important for businesses to ensure that the personal data they hold for their customers is accurate and relevant.
Compliance Benefits:
By utilising Mortascreen, companies can avoid potential fines and legal issues associated to holding outdated or inaccurate data, while respecting the privacy and dignity of deceased individuals and their families.
Benefits for Businesses
Operational Benefits:
Mortascreen improves data accuracy by identifying and suppressing records of deceased individuals, minimising the risk of causing distress to families with unwanted communications.
Reputational Benefits:
Maintaining a respectful and accurate contact list ensures that communications are not sent to deceased individuals, preserving a company’s professional image and preserves customer relationships.
Financial Benefits:
By removing the costs associated with undelivered mail and improving the effectiveness of marketing and communication campaigns, companies can achieve a higher ROI and reduce operational costs.
Data Collection
Sources of Information:
Mortascreen is maintained and supplied by Millennium and is collected from multiple reputable sources, including:
- Government agencies
- Probate records
- Funeral directors
- Insurance companies
- Hospitals and hospices
- Newspapers and obituaries
- Credit reference agencies
Data Accuracy and Updates:
The Mortascreen data is updated regularly, typically weekly, to ensure that the information provided is as up to date as possible and is relevant. Regular updates ensures that contact lists current and reliable.
Application and Usage
Use Cases:
Businesses use the Mortascreen file to update their contact lists, suppressing deceased individuals from their database so they have the most current information. This is vital to minimise any distress that could be caused by sending communications to deceased individuals.
Implementation:
Companies can integrate the Mortascreen data into their CRM systems or use it as part of their data cleansing services to routinely check and update their contact lists. This helps maintain the quality and effectiveness of business communications, minimising the distress caused by sending communications to deceased individuals.
