Scammers target grieving families by impersonating funeral home representatives, demanding additional payments or threatening to cancel funeral services. It’s understandable how the bereaved might fall for such scams amidst their emotional distress. Although the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has warned the funeral industry, here are some steps to prevent falling victim to this appalling scam.
These fraudsters rely on the urgency they create to cloud your judgment. They exploit your vulnerability and pressure you into making hasty decisions without proper consideration. This scam is particularly heinous as it preys on families mourning a recent loss. Being aware of this scam can help you stay cautious in similar situations.
Scammers can easily disguise their phone numbers to appear as if they are calling from the funeral home you’re using. If you’re unsure, tell them you’ll call back and hang up. Use the contact information from the funeral home’s estimate or invoice to verify any claims. The funeral home’s contact details should also be on the general price list they provided.
Be wary of unusual payment requests such as wire transfers, gift cards, cryptocurrency, or check paybacks, where they send you a check for a supposed error and ask you to return the money. These methods are often used to prevent tracing or recovering funds. The funeral home should have already discussed accepted payment methods. If the request deviates significantly from standard payment forms, it’s likely a scam, and you should hang up.