TOPEKA, Kan. -- State officials are warning of a new target of identity theft -- the dead.

Attorney General Steve Six warned consumers on Saturday that criminals appear to be trying to steal the identities of dead Kansans to open charge accounts through retail stores.

The schemes are appearing in Topeka, Overland Park, Wichita, El Dorado, Hartford, Lawrence, Abilene, Andover, Newton, Hays and Kansas City, Kan.

Six said family members who believe a recently deceased relative's identity may be compromised should verify the information on retail credit accounts and make sure a debt is owed. They should report any fraud to law enforcement.

Six's office offers tips for repairing identity theft at www.ksag.org or calling 800-432-2310.