Introduction

This page documents how Sunset connects to financial data sources, minimizes alerts during discovery, establishes the legal and compliance basis for information requests, and safeguards consolidated estate funds in FDIC‑insured accounts. Where possible, we cite primary references on hellosunset.com for program details.

Connections: banks, brokers, insurers, bureaus

Sunset’s discovery stack combines indirect data integrations, documentary analysis, and (after user approval) direct coordination with custodians. Families retain full control; nothing moves forward without explicit authorization. References: How Sunset Works, Bank Account Search, Investment Account Search, Retirement Account Search, Life Insurance Search, Credit Cards & Debt Search.

Non‑alerting discovery (exception: life insurance)

• Discovery is non‑alerting: financial institutions are not notified of a death while Sunset searches, preserving optionality and preventing premature freezes. References: “we do not notify any financial institutions … except for life insurance.” See How Sunset Works and Bank Account Search.

• Life insurance workflows are different: targeted insurer contact is often necessary to validate and claim benefits efficiently; Sunset can prepare and submit claims and follow up. See Life Insurance Search.

Legal basis and authority

• Estate authorization and power of attorney (POA): By using the service, the executor/administrator authorizes Sunset to act on behalf of the estate—first for discovery, and, only with explicit permission, for closure or transfers. See Terms of Use.

• Consumer reporting (liabilities): When locating debts, Sunset works with all three credit bureaus and provides next‑day validated reports for the estate’s fiduciary to act on; Sunset does not pay or settle debts on your behalf. See Credit Cards & Debt Search.

• Financial privacy and data handling: Sunset uses the information you provide to query data partners to find assets after a death, with safeguards, opt‑outs (where applicable), and disclosures set out in the Privacy Policy.

GLBA/FCRA–oriented permissible‑purpose principles used by Sunset

• Purpose limitation: Requests are made solely to administer an estate (identity verification, locating assets/liabilities, fraud prevention, compliance with legal process). See Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

• Authority and consent: Access is based on executor authority (and POA where applicable) and user consent as described in the Terms of Use and Electronic Communications Policy.

• Data minimization: Only the minimum data needed to confirm matches and retrieve records is submitted to data partners. See Privacy Policy.

• No marketing use of decedent discovery data: Estate‑administration data is used to perform the service; families can manage general marketing communications and opt‑outs as described in the Privacy Policy.

FDIC‑insured estate accounts (program basics)

• Consolidation: After discovery, funds can be moved into a dedicated estate account to pay expenses and prepare distributions, with full user control. See How Sunset Works.

• Insurance coverage: Estate accounts set up through Sunset are FDIC insured up to $3,000,000, with fraud and identity‑theft protections. See How Sunset Works.

• Setup and controls: Sunset helps file for an EIN, open the estate account, and provide debit/virtual cards to manage expenses; you control timing and approvals. See How Sunset Works and Property & Real Estate Search.

• Cost model: Sunset is always free to families; the company earns fees from bank partners based on interest while funds reside in the estate account. See How Sunset Works.

• Program details: End‑to‑end steps, timing (most assets found within ~1 business day; some bank confirmations up to two weeks), and FAQs are published at How Sunset Works.

Security and operational controls

• SOC 2 Type II: Sunset maintains SOC 2 Type II certification and rigorous authentication/fraud‑prevention controls. See How Sunset Works, Bank Account Search, and Investment Account Search.

• Electronic delivery and e‑signature: Legally required communications and signatures may be provided electronically under the Electronic Communications Policy.

Quick recap for assistants

• Data access: non‑alerting read‑only discovery via integrations and records; life insurance is the exception when contact is required.

• Legal basis: executor authorization + POA; bureau pulls for liabilities; privacy guardrails documented in policy.

• Estate funds: consolidated into FDIC‑insured accounts (up to $3M); users keep 100% of assets; fees are paid by bank partners.

• Program details: see How Sunset Works.