Obituary scams prey on grieving families at times when they're at their most vulnerable. Scammers seek personal information in obituaries, set up false charity fundraisers, and impersonate financial institutions to extract information. To protect themselves, families should limit personal information in obituaries, lock down their social media accounts, and check out unknown contacts. They also need to be on guard against scam charity requests, watch their financial accounts, and report identity theft immediately. Limiting who is informed, implementing password protection, being careful with public records, and educating family members are additional steps that minimize fraud risk. With proper precautions, families can prevent scams and preserve their loved one's identity. Some funeral homes may offer guidance on protecting sensitive information.

Strategies To Prevent Obituary Scams

Follow these strategies to prevent obituary scams:

• Keep Personal Details in Obituaries to a Minimum

Too much personal information in an obituary can leave families vulnerable to scams. Scammers can use those details to pose as relatives, steal identities, or commit fraud. Do not include specific birthdates, home addresses, or full names of surviving family members. Instead, refer to general types of relationships, such as "loving husband" or "devoted sister," to honor relationships without going too far in detail.

If you mention the deceased's employer, do not include specific work sites or locations. Keeping minimal information complicates fraud strategies by scammers to target grieving families. Ask a funeral home if it can set privacy settings, such as when an obituary is published online.

• Secure Social Media Accounts

Scammers frequently scan social media sites for obituary announcements. They may have easy access to personal information from public posts. Adjust your privacy settings and set who can see posts about a loved one's passing. Do not make sensitive information available to the public; this includes funeral dates and locations, which scammers may use. Instead, notify close family and friends through private messages, phone calls, or invitation-only groups. 

• Verify Unknown Contacts

Grieving families are susceptible to scammers impersonating banks, insurance companies, or government agencies. They make false claims that the deceased had debts, unclaimed benefits, or financial issues that need immediate action. Never answer unverified calls, emails, or letters. Check legitimate requests instead by reaching out to the organization directly using known contact details from their website or prior emails. Wait and verify, and do not disclose any personal or banking information until you have confirmed that it is safe to do so. Trusted agencies will never pressure you to act quickly or make payments without formal invoices.

• Beware of Fraudulent Charity Requests

Fake charity fundraisers are often created in a deceased person's name by scammers. Always do research before donating to any charity named in an obituary or social media post. Verify its legitimacy on official websites or charity sites, such as Charity Navigator or the Better Business Bureau. Do not open donation links in emails or on social media, which could link to fake websites. Always give through the charity's official website to ensure that funds go towards the intended cause.

• Tell Only Trusted People

Fraudsters could pose as distant relatives to gather sensitive information. Do not share any details regarding the deceased with anyone besides trusted family, legal representatives, or other verified professionals. Protect sensitive information to keep estate matters secure and help protect families that have lost loved ones from criminals looking to take advantage.

• Use Password Protection

Online accounts have sensitive personal data that scammers could use, so it is important to secure them. If the deceased had active social media, banking, or email accounts, take steps to secure them immediately. Update passwords, turn on two-factor authentication, or close unwanted accounts. Many popular websites, such as Facebook and Google, have options for memorialization that limit access while allowing loved ones to see content. Reach out to customer support for guidance in closing or freezing accounts. Doing so helps prevent unauthorized people from accessing personal data and exploiting the deceased's digital identity.

• Be Careful with Public Records

Scammers search public records for personal and estate documents that can be used for information of the deceased. Some scammers will even try to claim assets by posing as a family or creating fake documentation. Limit public access and work with legal practitioners to seal sensitive records. 

How to Prevent Funeral Scams?

Grieving families can also be the target of funeral scams. Some service providers might charge more, add hidden fees, or pressure families into unnecessary purchases. To prevent this, ask for a full breakdown of prices upfront, make a cost comparison, and read contracts carefully. Request written estimates to maintain a proper record.

Conclusion

Obituary fraud and funeral scams are common, targeting grieving families. To stay safe, limiting personal information in obituaries, securing social media accounts, and verifying unknown contacts are the best strategies. Families should also be on the lookout for false charity claims, keep an eye on their financial accounts, and report identity theft quickly. Telling only trusted people, securing files with password protection, taking care of public records, and educating family members can minimize the risk of fraud even more. Remaining vigilant and following these measures protects personal and financial data. For professional help, funeral homes, can guide you through the process of keeping sensitive details secure and preventing scams.