02/19/2025
WARNING: Scammers Are Targeting Grieving Families
Few things are more despicable than exploiting people at their most vulnerable—yet that’s exactly what some fraudsters are doing, preying on families mourning the loss of a loved one. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) warns that if there were a “Scammers Hall of Shame,” this scheme would undoubtedly rank among the worst.
The Funeral Scam: How It Works
Consumer expert Clark Howard highlights an NBC News report about a disturbing trend: criminals impersonating funeral home staff to demand upfront payments for burial or cremation services.
One widowed mourner was nearly tricked into sending $2,500 via Zelle and Apple Pay. “She was ready to send the money,” Clark explains. “Thankfully, it was flagged as suspicious. But the scammers persisted, suggesting PayPal instead. Her son, who was by her side in her time of grief, urged her to hang up. Later, they discovered the call was completely fraudulent.”
How Scammers Target Families
These criminals scour online obituaries to find their victims. They then pose as funeral home representatives, claiming that the family owes money for last-minute expenses such as “casket insurance.”
To make the scheme more convincing, they use caller ID spoofing to make it appear as if the call is coming from a legitimate funeral home. “When you see the funeral home’s name on the caller ID, you naturally assume it’s real,” Clark says. “And that’s exactly how they take advantage of people’s grief.”
How to Protect Yourself
Scammers use urgency and emotional manipulation to push victims into acting quickly. Here’s how to stay safe:
Don’t Trust Unknown Callers:
If you don’t recognize a number, don’t answer. If the caller claims to be from the funeral home, hang up and call the funeral home directly using a verified number from their website.
Beware of Pressure Tactics:
Scammers create a false sense of urgency, insisting you must pay immediately. Legitimate businesses will give you time to make decisions.
Watch for Unusual Payment Requests:
If someone asks for payment via wire transfer, cryptocurrency, gift cards, or mobile payment apps, it’s likely a scam. The FTC warns that these methods make it nearly impossible to recover stolen money.
Final Thought:
Funeral planning is already an emotionally and financially stressful process. Protect yourself and your loved ones by staying vigilant against scams. Prepaying for funeral arrangements can also help prevent last-minute financial pressure.
During times of grief, it’s easy to fall victim to deception. Awareness is your best defense.
