Imposters prey on families preparing for the funeral of a loved one

A scam has surfaced, targeting mourning individuals by impersonating funeral home representatives. Perpetrators falsely claim that unless additional funds are promptly provided, the funeral arrangements will be canceled. To safeguard against this malicious tactic, it is essential to adhere to the following precautions:

First, resist succumbing to pressure tactics; reputable establishments allow ample decision-making time, whereas scammers employ coercive tactics. Second, verify the legitimacy of any communication by directly contacting the funeral home using established contact information, such as the phone number provided on official documents like the General Price List. Finally, exercise caution regarding payment methods; scammers often prefer untraceable forms of payment, including wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or gift cards. Refraining from depositing checks and sending money back to unknown entities is advisable.

By remaining vigilant and adhering to these guidelines, individuals can better protect themselves from such deceitful schemes.

For more information see Alvaro Puig “Impostrs prey on failies preparing for the funeral of a loved one”, Federal Trade Commission Consumer Advice, June 15, 2023.