Shocking Funeral Scams Exposed: The Depths of Deception in Mourning

A post on Facebook may present a link directing users to a supposed live streaming of a funeral or to a donation page purportedly arranged by the deceased’s family.

Upon clicking the link, you’re led to another webpage that requests your credit card details, claiming a £10 charge to access the online funeral service or asking for a contribution.

After the payment is made, the expected service never materializes.

This form of exploitation has been identified by the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) as a particularly heartless scam, involving deceiving victims into sharing sensitive information or money.

Katherine Hart, a senior official at CTSI specializing in doorstep crime, described this fraud as unimaginably cruel.

Hart also noted that the victims often suffer in silence, hesitant to compound the grief of their families by reporting the fraud, which only emboldens the perpetrators.

The practice of virtual funerals gained traction during the Covid pandemic and remains prevalent, providing a means for those unable to physically attend to honor the deceased.

Scammers tend to target such services, especially those related to widely publicized deaths or the passing of younger individuals, exploiting the public’s heightened interest.

According to the National Association of Funeral Directors (NAFD), this scam has been active for two years and is prevalent throughout the UK and Ireland.

The true scope of the scam is difficult to determine as many cases go unreported, but reports suggest an increasing trend.

Mechanics of the Scam

Perpetrators monitor publicly available funeral notices and set up counterfeit Facebook profiles mimicking relatives or acquaintances of the deceased, the CTSI reports.

They then approach mourners with fraudulent links for funeral live streams that require a fee, or they establish phony donation pages on well-known fundraising sites.

Sometimes, these fraudsters send friend requests to individuals linked to the genuine profiles, gaining access to personal photos and information once accepted.

Victims who click the link to watch the live stream are prompted to make a payment, leading not only to financial loss but also the emotional distress of having missed the actual service and being scammed.

Steps to Take

First and foremost, avoid making any payments.

Andrew Judd, CEO of NAFD, emphasizes that reputable funeral directors do not charge for live streaming services. He advises the public to be cautious of any external links that ask for money in exchange for access to a funeral stream.

He also recommends verifying the legitimacy of any donation pages by directly contacting the family or funeral service providers.

Victims may feel embarrassed, but reporting the scam is crucial as keeping quiet only aids the criminals, Hart adds. She urges the public to remain alert, share warnings, and report suspicious activities.

The CTSI stresses that attending a funeral, whether in person or online, should not incur a fee. Donations should only be made through official channels, and when in doubt, confirmation from the funeral director or celebrant should be sought.

On social media, be wary of friend requests or messages from unknown profiles that seem to have mutual friends.

If you suspect you’ve provided your card details to a scammer, contact your bank immediately.

The CTSI continues to encourage the public to speak out, report fraudulent activities, and help protect others from falling victim to this cruel scam.

If affected and residing in England and Wales, contact Action Fraud via their website or by phone at 0300 123 2040. In Scotland, reach out to Advice Direct Scotland at 0808 164 6000, or Consumerline in Northern Ireland at 0300 123 6262.