Exploiting grief: Aussie family faces additional heartbreak as scammers target son's memory
- Replies 7
In the wake of loss and bereavement, families should be allowed the space and time to grieve without the added stress of external threats.
However, it's a sad reality that even in these moments of vulnerability, there are those who would exploit personal tragedy for their own gain, as highlighted in a recent ordeal experienced by an Aussie family.
As authorities investigate the circumstances surrounding this unsettling case, concerns about online safety and vulnerability to fraud are brought to the forefront.
A Perth family mourning the loss of their son has been targeted by scam artists who used his name and image to deceive the public into making online donations.
Levi Tracy, a brave young man of 19, recently succumbed to a valiant battle with cancer.
Yet, within days of Levi's passing, a family in mourning was dealt another blow. Scammers, devoid of empathy, established a fraudulent social page mimicking the original ‘Lifeline for Levi’—a page initially created to update friends and family on Levi's condition.
These imposters callously reached out to individuals, directing them to a PayPal account for donations, all under the guise of helping the Tracy family.
Mark Tracy, Levi's father, reeling from the loss of his son and his own father in the same week, found himself in the midst of planning a funeral while confronting the vile actions of these fraudsters.
‘My father passed on Monday, Levi passed on Tuesday morning, and now we're trying to plan the funeral,’ he lamented.
‘This particular scamming page, they're personally reaching out and messaging people.’
‘I just learned in the last half an hour they're using a PayPal account they're trying to get people to send money to.’
‘We've got people now questioning our integrity—which is hard at any point but even more hard this week,’ Mark added.
Levi’s journey, marked by a diagnosis of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma at the tender age of seven and subsequent remission after enduring over two years of chemotherapy, is one of courage and resilience.
Tragically, the very treatment that once saved him led to the development of acute myeloid leukaemia a decade later.
Throughout his ordeal, Levi's infectious spirit and humour touched many lives, inspiring a community to rally around him, donating blood, plasma, and even a kidney to support others in his name.
‘He cared for everybody, his humour—he was just bright everywhere he went, he lit the room up,’ Mark shared.
‘There are times that we wouldn't have got through without that support.’
As the Tracy family continues to navigate this difficult period, they remain steadfast in honouring Levi's memory.
They encourage the community to continue the legacy of giving by donating blood and plasma through legitimate organisations.
Now, the family faces the challenge of securing a venue for Levi's funeral service next Friday, July 12.
The tragic exploitation of Levi Tracy's memory in a scam targeting grieving families underscores a disturbing trend in online deception.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability many face during times of mourning.
Recently, reports have surfaced about a new funeral scam that specifically targets those navigating the emotional and logistical challenges of arranging a loved one's final farewell.
Such schemes highlight the need for vigilance and caution in the face of heartbreaking loss.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Tracy Family and their friends and relatives in this difficult time. May Levi rest in peace.
What are your thoughts about the Tracy Family’s ordeal? What do you advise others to protect themselves from falling victim to such schemes? Let us know your thoughts and suggestions in the comments below.
However, it's a sad reality that even in these moments of vulnerability, there are those who would exploit personal tragedy for their own gain, as highlighted in a recent ordeal experienced by an Aussie family.
As authorities investigate the circumstances surrounding this unsettling case, concerns about online safety and vulnerability to fraud are brought to the forefront.
A Perth family mourning the loss of their son has been targeted by scam artists who used his name and image to deceive the public into making online donations.
Levi Tracy, a brave young man of 19, recently succumbed to a valiant battle with cancer.
A grieving Perth family was targeted by scammers using their son's name and image for fraudulent fundraising. Credit: Facebook / Lifeline for Levi
Yet, within days of Levi's passing, a family in mourning was dealt another blow. Scammers, devoid of empathy, established a fraudulent social page mimicking the original ‘Lifeline for Levi’—a page initially created to update friends and family on Levi's condition.
These imposters callously reached out to individuals, directing them to a PayPal account for donations, all under the guise of helping the Tracy family.
Mark Tracy, Levi's father, reeling from the loss of his son and his own father in the same week, found himself in the midst of planning a funeral while confronting the vile actions of these fraudsters.
‘My father passed on Monday, Levi passed on Tuesday morning, and now we're trying to plan the funeral,’ he lamented.
‘This particular scamming page, they're personally reaching out and messaging people.’
‘I just learned in the last half an hour they're using a PayPal account they're trying to get people to send money to.’
‘We've got people now questioning our integrity—which is hard at any point but even more hard this week,’ Mark added.
Levi’s journey, marked by a diagnosis of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma at the tender age of seven and subsequent remission after enduring over two years of chemotherapy, is one of courage and resilience.
Tragically, the very treatment that once saved him led to the development of acute myeloid leukaemia a decade later.
Throughout his ordeal, Levi's infectious spirit and humour touched many lives, inspiring a community to rally around him, donating blood, plasma, and even a kidney to support others in his name.
‘He cared for everybody, his humour—he was just bright everywhere he went, he lit the room up,’ Mark shared.
‘There are times that we wouldn't have got through without that support.’
As the Tracy family continues to navigate this difficult period, they remain steadfast in honouring Levi's memory.
They encourage the community to continue the legacy of giving by donating blood and plasma through legitimate organisations.
Now, the family faces the challenge of securing a venue for Levi's funeral service next Friday, July 12.
The tragic exploitation of Levi Tracy's memory in a scam targeting grieving families underscores a disturbing trend in online deception.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability many face during times of mourning.
Recently, reports have surfaced about a new funeral scam that specifically targets those navigating the emotional and logistical challenges of arranging a loved one's final farewell.
Such schemes highlight the need for vigilance and caution in the face of heartbreaking loss.
What are your thoughts about the Tracy Family’s ordeal? What do you advise others to protect themselves from falling victim to such schemes? Let us know your thoughts and suggestions in the comments below.
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