Funeral Scams: How To Spot Red Flags & Stay Protected

Grief makes people vulnerable. Scammers know this, which is why grief scams have become increasingly common after a death is announced.

When someone dies, families often share details publicly through obituaries, social media posts, or funeral home websites. Since these notices are easy to find online, they contain valuable information scammers can exploit: full names, ages, addresses, service times, and family relationships.

Fraudsters use these details to:

Fraudsters send fake emails or text messages that appear to come from trusted companies like your bank, PayPal, or even your funeral provider.

These messages often include links that ask for sensitive information like passwords, Social Security numbers, or payment details. In some cases, clicking the link may also install malware on your device.

How to Protect Yourself:

Obituaries sometimes include full addresses and service times. This tells thieves exactly when your home will be empty.

Scammers have also used obituary details to impersonate family members online or call relatives pretending to need emergency financial help. In other words, the same information meant to honor your loved one can be weaponized against your family.

Protective Measures:

A stranger calls claiming your loved one owed money. They say you're responsible for repaying the debt, and they need payment immediately. They're aggressive, fast-talking, and threatening.

This is a scam.

"They create panic, talk fast, and hope you pay before you think," explains Aaron Scott, co-owner of Magnolia Cremations. "But you don't owe anything just because someone says you do."

What to Do:

Fake funeral home calls use technology called 'spoofing' to make it look like they're calling from your actual funeral home.

They claim there's a problem with your arrangements and create urgency to force quick action. For example, they might say they need immediate payment for "casket insurance" or threaten that your service will be canceled unless you pay extra fees right now.

It's all fake.

Red Flags to Watch For:

🚩 If you receive a suspicious call, always hang up and call your funeral provider back using a number you trust from their website or paperwork, not the number the caller gives you. Learn more about how spoofing works from the FTC.

Scammers create fraudulent GoFundMe, Facebook fundraiser, or other donation pages using photos and stories copied from real obituaries.

Well-meaning friends, coworkers, and strangers donate, thinking they're helping the family. Instead, the money goes straight to the scammer.

How to Tell if a Campaign Is Legitimate:

This newer scam preys on people who can't attend services in person.

Scammers create fake Facebook accounts impersonating funeral homes or family members. They post announcements claiming the funeral will be live-streamed, but when you click the link, you're taken to a phishing page that asks you to "verify your identity" by entering credit card information.

No legitimate funeral home requires payment to watch a live stream.

Protection Steps:

Watch for these warning signs, especially with spoofed funeral home calls and unexpected payment demands:

We take your privacy and peace of mind seriously.

Here's what sets us apart:

Funeral scam protection doesn't require complicated systems or expensive software. These seven practical steps help you stay safe during a vulnerable time:

If you receive any payment request, call your funeral provider directly using a trusted number. Never rely on caller ID alone.

Use general locations instead of full addresses. Avoid exact birthdates and overly specific family information.

Legitimate businesses will never ask for your full Social Security number, passwords, or credit card numbers over an unsolicited call or text.

Before making any payment, request itemized documentation. Take your time reviewing it.

Seniors are often targeted more aggressively, so make sure they know what scam tactics look like. The AARP Fraud Watch Network provides excellent resources for protecting older adults. You can also check your state's senior protection services through the Eldercare Locator.

Adjust privacy settings when sharing memorial information. Limit who can see details about services.

If you've already shared information or sent money:

Report Fraud and Scams:

Get Help and Education:

Grief Support:

Grief is hard enough without worrying about someone taking advantage of you.

At Magnolia Cremations, we're here to support you through every step, not just with compassionate cremation care, but also with guidance, protection, and reassurance when you need it most.

You can trust us to treat your family with dignity and your information with respect.

Questions about our services or concerned about a suspicious contact? Call us anytime or visit magnoliacremations.com.