In times of loss and mourning, the last thing anyone should have to worry about is falling victim to a scam. Yet, in a world where opportunistic fraudsters lurk in the shadows of our digital lives, even the sanctity of grief is not spared. It’s a harrowing reality that Australians are now being warned about: scammers are preying on mourners during their most vulnerable moments, exploiting the solemnity of funerals for their nefarious gains.
The scam is as heartless as it is cunning. Fraudsters create fake social media accounts, impersonating the deceased, using their photos and details about upcoming funerals. They then reach out to the bereaved, requesting payments for access to funeral livestreams or asking for donations. It’s a new low for scammers, who seem to stoop to greater depths with each passing day.
Australian authorities and police across multiple states have been alerting the public that legitimate funeral directors do not ask for payment or personal details to attend a funeral service, whether in person or online. If you’re faced with such a request, it’s almost certainly a scam.
Despite the warnings and efforts by authorities to combat these scams, Dale Gilson, the chief executive of the Australian Funeral Directors Association, has reported a disturbing trend. ‘There’s been a steady growth in scams and particularly targeting funeral live streams over the past 18 months… we’re seeing an increase in scams, attempted scams,’ he told news.com.au.
The reason behind targeting mourners is chillingly simple: scammers see an opportunity to exploit those who may not be in their right state of mind due to grief. ‘They’re targeting them because they’re targeting people they know that they’re maybe not at their best, and they think they’ve got the greatest opportunity to take advantage of them,’ Gilson explained.
For those who have been targeted, the experience adds an unnecessary layer of distress during an already painful time. It’s not just about the potential financial loss; it’s the emotional toll that such a scam takes on individuals who are trying to navigate their grief.
Social media has been abuzz with warnings from individuals who have encountered these scams, urging others to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity. ‘PLEASE FAMILY AND FRIENDS DO NOT FALL FOR THIS SCAM!!!,’ one social media post warned, detailing the scam’s modus operandi and advising others to report it.
The outrage in the community is palpable, with many expressing their disgust at the depths to which these scammers will sink. ‘Lowest of the low,’ commented one user, echoing the sentiments of many others who are appalled by these actions.
Cybersecurity and fraud expert Simon Smith has pointed out that while scams that exploit people’s emotions are not new, they have evolved with technology. ‘Scams like this that pull on people’s heartstrings have been around for centuries,’ Smith said. ‘Everything is digital now, and scams are just adapting to those changes.’
Smith calls for social media platforms to take more responsibility in protecting users from scams and suggests that individuals should also set ‘hard and fast rules’ for sharing private information. A simple step like verifying with a trusted person before providing sensitive details can serve as an additional layer of protection.
The National Anti-Scam Centre has also acknowledged the rise of ‘live streaming’ related scams, which initially targeted sporting events but have now expanded to include funerals. They advise those wishing to attend a funeral virtually to contact the funeral home directly for live streaming details, to research organisations hosting online events, and to report any scams on the platform where they occur.
As we navigate the digital age, it’s crucial to stay informed and protect ourselves and our loved ones from such despicable acts. Remember, in times of grief, your emotions are valid, but your personal information is still precious. Always verify requests for money or personal details, and when in doubt, reach out directly to the funeral home or service provider.
Have you or someone you know encountered similar scams? What steps do you think can be taken to better protect grieving families from such fraud? Feel free to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
Also read: HSBC urges caution amidst surge in online purchase scams
