Communities should always come together to support one another, especially during times of loss.

However, it's a sad reality that there are individuals who see these moments as opportunities for exploitation.

Scammers have been preying on grievers over the past years as they exploit people's vulnerability during a challenging period.

These individuals have been creating fake social media accounts to impersonate the deceased.

They would, in turn, reach out to the bereaved family using these profiles.

Funerals are a time for mourning and reflection among family members. Image Credit: Pexels/Pavel Danilyuk

Scammers would then request payments from the family and loved ones so they could access funeral live streams.

However, some ask for donations under the guise of honouring the life of the departed.

Australian authorities have been alerted to this disturbing trend, with police across multiple states cautioning the public about this scheme.

Police advised that funeral directors do not ask for payment or personal details to attend a funeral service, whether in person or online.

The Australian Funeral Directors Association's chief executive, Dale Gilson, spoke out about the issue.

Mr Gilson noted a steady increase in scams related to funeral live streams over the past 18 months.

'People are already distressed and going through a difficult time,' Mr Gilson said.

'Then to have someone target them deliberately and their family and friends during that time is as low as you can get.'

The rationale behind these scams is as simple as it is despicable: scammers target funerals because they know people are not at their best and may be more susceptible to manipulation.

The emotional turmoil of losing a loved one can cloud judgement, making it easier for scammers to take advantage.

While many people manage to avoid falling victim to these scams, the mere attempt could be incredibly distressing for families already coping with loss.

It's a cruel distraction at a time when the focus should be on healing and remembrance.

A separate investigation showed numerous social media posts warned friends and family about legitimate upcoming funerals that scammers had hijacked.

'Please, family and friends, do not fall for this scam!' one post implored, as they explained how scammers were asking for credit card details to view a funeral live stream.

Many Australians have condemned the scammers for these abhorrent actions.

Cybersecurity and fraud expert Simon Smith reminded everyone that while scams have existed for centuries, they are evolving alongside technology.

He called on social media platforms to take more responsibility in protecting users and suggested individuals adopt 'hard and fast rules' for sharing private information.

The National Anti-Scam Centre also acknowledged the rise of 'live streaming' related scams, which were previously contained to sporting events.

They advised those wishing to attend a virtual funeral to contact the funeral home directly for streaming details and to report any scams on the platform where they occur.

If you or someone you know is organising a virtual funeral, consider the following precautions:

1. Communicate directly with the funeral home about live streaming services, and do not trust unsolicited messages or emails.
2. Be wary of any requests for money related to funeral services, especially if they come through social media.
3. Educate your family and friends about this scam to prevent them from becoming victims.
4. Report any suspicious activity to the appropriate authorities and social media platforms.

In these trying times, let's protect each other and honour our loved ones with the dignity they deserve.

Key Takeaways

• Scammers have been exploiting the grief of mourners by setting up fake social media profiles of deceased individuals to solicit money.
• Australian authorities and the Australian Funeral Directors Association have issued warnings about the rise of these scams and emphasised that legitimate funeral directors do not request payment for funerals.
• The heartlessness of targeting grieving individuals during such a difficult time received widespread condemnation among individuals and families.
• Expert advice included having individuals set strict personal rules about sharing private information and confirming live stream details directly with funeral homes to avoid scams.

Have you or someone you know encountered such scams? Share your experiences in the comments below to help raise awareness within our community. Together, we can stand firm against these unscrupulous scammers and safeguard the sanctity of our farewells.

 

[deni67]

They need to be found and jailed for a long time!