Losing a loved one is one of life’s most challenging moments, and the last thing any family needs is to fall victim to scams at such a time.
Scammers often target grieving families with schemes like fake obituary fees, home burglaries, or identity theft. Here are things to watch out for and how to protect yourself and your loved ones in 2025.
Ghosting
One common scam is “ghosting,” where fraudsters use a deceased person’s identity to open credit accounts or drain bank accounts. To prevent this, notify banks, credit card companies, and other relevant institutions of the death as soon as possible.
Request a credit freeze to block unauthorized activity. You can also monitor the deceased’s financial accounts for unusual transactions in the weeks following their passing.
Fraudulent Charges
Another scam to watch for is fraudulent funeral-related charges. Scammers may pose as funeral home staff, claiming you owe fees for services like obituary postings or memorial livestreams. Always verify requests for payment directly with your funeral home to confirm any suspicious communication.
Legitimate funeral homes, like ours, provide transparent pricing upfront and never demand unexpected payments by way of email or text. Be cautious of unsolicited calls offering discounted caskets or cremation services, as these are often ploys to collect personal information.
Home Burglaries
Scammers may scan obituaries to identify times when homes will be empty, targeting grieving families for theft. To protect your home, avoid listing the service time or address in public obituaries. Consider asking a trusted friend or neighbor to stay at your home during the funeral. Share only essential details in online memorials and keeping personal information private.
Fake Charity Solicitations
Scammers may send emails pretending to be from a charity tied to the deceased, asking for donations or personal details. Never click links in unsolicited emails, and verify any donation requests directly with the organization. At Omega Funeral Home, we can guide you on safe ways to honor your loved one through giving.
Finally, grief makes us vulnerable, but staying informed is your best defense. Keep a record of all funeral-related communications, and don’t hesitate to ask questions about anything that feels off.
