The obituary scam is a cruel form of fraud that preys on grieving families and vulnerable seniors. This scam takes advantage of publicly available information found in obituaries to exploit the emotional and financial vulnerabilities of those who have recently lost a loved one. In this post, I will get into what the obituary scam is, how it works, the different versions of this scam, how seniors can protect themselves, and what steps to take if they become victims of this heartless crime.
What is the Obituary Scam?
The obituary scam involves criminals using the personal information found in obituaries, such as the deceased’s name, surviving family members, and other personal details, to commit various fraudulent activities. These scams can take several forms, but they all share the common goal of exploiting the bereaved during a time of emotional distress.
How Does the Obituary Scam Work?
Scammers typically monitor obituaries in newspapers and online. They gather information about the deceased and their surviving relatives. Once they have this information, they use it to perpetrate different types of fraud. Here are some common versions of the obituary scam:
- Phishing Scams:
- Scammers contact family members pretending to be from a legitimate organization, such as a bank, insurance company, or funeral home. They claim that there are issues with the deceased’s accounts or policies and request personal information to resolve these issues.
- Debt Collection Scams:
- Fraudsters claim that the deceased left unpaid debts and pressure the family members to pay immediately. They often use aggressive tactics and create a sense of urgency to compel the relatives to pay without verifying the legitimacy of the debt.
- Identity Theft:
- Using the personal information from the obituary, scammers open credit accounts, take out loans, or engage in other fraudulent activities using the deceased’s identity. This can cause significant financial harm and legal complications for the surviving family members.
- Inheritance Scams:
- Scammers contact the relatives claiming that the deceased left an unclaimed inheritance. They request personal information or payment of a fee to release the inheritance, which, of course, does not exist.
- Home Burglary:
- Some criminals use the obituary information to determine when the family will be away from home for the funeral. They then burglarize the empty home during the service.
How Seniors Can Protect Themselves from Obituary Scams
While obituary scams are distressing, there are several measures seniors and their families can take to protect themselves from falling victim to these fraudulent activities:
- Limit the Information in Obituaries:
- Avoid including too much personal information in obituaries. Details such as the deceased’s full name, date of birth, home address, and names of surviving family members can be exploited by scammers. Keep the obituary brief and focused on the positive aspects of the deceased’s life.
- Be Cautious with Unsolicited Contacts:
- Be wary of unsolicited calls, emails, or letters from individuals or organizations requesting personal information or payment. Verify the legitimacy of the request by contacting the organization directly using a known and trusted phone number or email address.
- Use a Trusted Executor:
- Appoint a trusted family member or professional as the executor of the deceased’s estate. This person should handle all financial matters and communications with organizations to ensure that personal information is not disclosed to potential scammers.
- Monitor Financial Accounts:
- Regularly monitor the deceased’s financial accounts for any suspicious activity. Notify banks, credit card companies, and other financial institutions of the death and request that they place a flag on the accounts to prevent unauthorized access.
- Secure the Home:
- Ensure that the deceased’s home is secure, especially during the funeral service. Ask a trusted neighbor or friend to keep an eye on the property while the family is away.
- Educate Family Members:
- Inform family members, especially seniors, about the obituary scam and the tactics used by scammers. Awareness is a powerful tool in preventing fraud.
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What to Do if You’ve Been Scammed
If you or a loved one has fallen victim to an obituary scam, it is essential to act quickly to minimize the damage and prevent further fraud. Here are the steps to take:
- Report the Fraud:
- Contact your local law enforcement agency and file a report. Provide them with all the details of the scam, including any communications you received from the scammers.
- Notify Financial Institutions:
- Immediately contact the relevant financial institutions to report the fraud. Close any compromised accounts and open new ones. Request that the institutions place fraud alerts on the affected accounts.
- Place a Fraud Alert:
- Contact the credit reporting agencies (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) and place a fraud alert on the deceased’s credit report. This alert will make it more difficult for scammers to open new accounts in the deceased’s name.
- Review Credit Reports:
- Obtain a copy of the deceased’s credit report and review it for any unauthorized activity. Dispute any fraudulent accounts or transactions with the credit reporting agencies.
- Notify Relevant Agencies:
- Inform other relevant agencies, such as the Social Security Administration, the Internal Revenue Service, and any insurance companies, of the fraud. This will help prevent further misuse of the deceased’s personal information.
- Consider Identity Theft Protection:
- Consider enrolling in an identity theft protection service. These services can provide ongoing monitoring of the deceased’s personal information and offer assistance in resolving any issues that arise from the fraud.
- Seek Support:
- Dealing with the aftermath of a scam can be emotionally and financially draining. Seek support from trusted family members, friends, or professional counselors to help cope with the stress and anxiety caused by the fraud.
Final Thoughts
The obituary scam is a heartless crime that targets individuals when they are most vulnerable. By understanding how this scam works and taking proactive measures to protect personal information, seniors and their families can reduce the risk of falling victim to these fraudsters. If you do find yourself targeted by an obituary scam, swift action can help mitigate the damage and prevent further harm. Stay vigilant, stay informed, and protect yourself and your loved ones from the cruelty of obituary scammers.
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