Beware of Social Media Scams Targeting Grieving Families

Losing a loved one is devastating, and scammers often exploit grief to their advantage. These fraudsters target senior citizens on social media platforms, posing as friends, charities, or funeral service providers, hoping to solicit funds through deceptive means. Here are some common scams and tips to protect yourself and your loved ones.

1. Fake Charity Scams

Scammers create fraudulent charity campaigns, claiming to raise money for funeral expenses or memorial services. They may even impersonate real charities or invent fictitious ones. These scams often appeal to emotions, urging people to donate quickly to help grieving families. Before donating, always verify the legitimacy of the charity through trusted websites like Charity Navigator or GuideStar.

2. Impersonation of Family Members

Scammers may hack into social media accounts or create fake profiles to impersonate a deceased person's family member. They may ask for money to cover unexpected costs, like medical bills or funeral expenses. If you receive such a request, verify by calling the family member directly or asking them personal questions only they would know.

3. Obituary Scams

Public obituaries often provide scammers with valuable information, such as names of surviving relatives, addresses, and funeral details. Scammers use this information to create convincing stories, contacting relatives or friends for “emergency funds” or other financial assistance. Avoid sharing too many personal details in obituaries, and be cautious of unsolicited messages from strangers or unexpected requests for money.

4. Memorial Fundraiser Scams

Scammers often set up fake online fundraisers on popular crowdfunding platforms, claiming to raise money for funeral costs or memorials. These pages may use stolen photos and fabricated stories to tug at heartstrings and solicit donations. To avoid falling victim, donate only to verified fundraisers or those directly linked by the family on their official social media profiles or websites.

How to Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones

1. Stay Skeptical of Urgent Requests

Be wary of urgent requests for money, especially from unfamiliar sources or people you have not interacted with in a while.

2. Verify Before You Donate

Always confirm the legitimacy of a charity or crowdfunding page before donating. Look for official websites or verified links shared by the grieving family.

3. Limit Personal Information Online

Avoid sharing sensitive details on social media or in public obituaries that could be used by scammers.

4. Enable Privacy Settings

Adjust your social media privacy settings to limit who can see your personal information and posts. This can help reduce your vulnerability to scammers.

5. Educate and Inform

Discuss these scams with your loved ones, especially those who might be more vulnerable, such as senior citizens, to ensure they are aware and prepared.

By staying vigilant and informed, we can protect ourselves and our loved ones from the emotional and financial exploitation of social media scams targeting grieving families. Remember, if something feels off or too urgent, take a step back, verify, and always err on the side of caution.