When we lose a loved one, grief sometimes overcomes us. This is when a scam artist is at his best and takes advantage and commits fraud. As we develop an obituary, we tend to tell the story of the deceased’s life. We tend to give intimate details of their identity. This is the information a criminal needs. We all want to acknowledge a loved one’s life but be aware that the more personal facts you give in an obituary, the greater risk of scams and identity theft.
When it’s time to write the notice for publication, remember these items:
- Give deceased’s age, not date of birth
- Do not give middle name
- Do not give home address
- Do not give birthplace
- Do not give mother’s maiden name
- I know this is hard but – Do not give names of family survivors
The following are scams are used by criminals after researching a deceased person:
- Identity Theft – 800,000 dead people are targeted each year. Scammers open credit cards, apply for loans and file fraudulent tax returns to collect refunds.
- Grandparents scam – Criminals use the name of survivors to scam grieving spouses.
- Fictitious debt collection – Scammers will call spouses or children claiming the deceased has a debt and it must be repayed. Unless you cosigned for the obligation, debts are paid from the estate.
- Life Insurance scam – Criminals will call stating there is a large life insurance policy, but in order to collect, one last premium needs to be made.
- Burglaries – If the deceased address and date/time for memorial service is listed, a burglar will know the perfect time to break in to the unoccupied home.
Be smart and be safe!!
If you find yourself in this unfortunate situation and are in need of professional services, make sure the Private investigator is experienced in these types of cases.
If you are in need of services in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Tampa, or anywhere in Florida, contact a professional investigator.