SCOTS have been warned about a disturbing funeral scam that involves criminals targeting devastated mourners.
Fraudsters have started making fake online live funeral feeds in a bid to try and fleece money from the devastated loved ones of someone who has died.
The sick scam sees crooks copy funeral notices which they use to create fake Facebook accounts using photos found online of the person who has passed away.
They then offer fake links to a “live streaming” of the funeral and then charge unsuspecting grieving family and friends of the person who died to access the fake link.
The cruel criminals also create fake opportunities to donate money to the funeral, which lures mourners into sharing their bank details.
Rev Barry Hughes, minister of St Mark’s Church in Raploch, Stirling, has said he has seen a number of the horrific scams being carried out in the last few weeks alone.
Speaking to The Observer, the local minister has warned people to be aware of the scam and not to fall for it.
He revealed that four funeral services conducted by him have been targeted by sick scammers.
Sadly I am aware of people who have been taken in, and who have realized too late and have had to contact their banks to stop any money being taken
Rev. Barry Hughesminister of St Mark’s Church in Raploch
Rev Hughes said: “On four separate occasions at St Mark’s, I have led funerals which have been targeted by scammers.
“Basically they set up a Facebook page entitled ‘Livestream of funeral for (XXX)’, using a picture of the deceased which they have found online, so it all looks very genuine.
“However if you then go into the Facebook page and click on the link which supposedly has a livestream on it, you are asked for your bank details to pay for the livestream – but of course there is no livestream, it’s all a fraud.
“Sadly I am aware of people who have been taken in, and who have realized too late and have had to contact their banks to stop any money being taken.”
Beware the Scam: Protect Your Pockets from Fake Ticket Fraud
Rev Hughes explained that if this service is available, it would only come from the church or funeral director.
And he is hoping his advice could save people from being conned out of their hard-earned cash.
He added: “What I have been telling people in Raploch is that, if a funeral is streamed live from the church, the livestream information would come from the church or from the funeral director, not from any other source.
“It seems to be mostly younger folks’ funerals which are being targeted sadly.
“Anything we can do to raise awareness of this scam is a good thing.”
Advice for victims of fraud
POLICE Scotland has issued some advice on what victims of fraud can do if they think they have been compromised.
They said: “If your bank or credit card accounts have been compromised contact your bank and tell them you suspect you have been the victim
of a fraud.
“If you receive correspondence from companies about applications
or accounts that you do not recognize, contact the relevant
companies immediately and advise them.
“Report the fraud to Police Scotland on 101.
“Keep a note of any telephone numbers, emails or other correspondence you have had with the fraudster.
“Consider contacting a credit reference agency to review yours
credit report. If you notice any unauthorized activity contact the
organizations involved, as soon as possible.
“If you have been a victim of fraud be aware your details might be sold
on to other fraudsters who might make contact with you in an
attempt to make you part with more money. This is most common
in the case of victims of share scams.
“Fraudsters often call up the victim of such a scam advising them
can get their money back for a fee.”
Funeral directors are also warning mourners about the scam and have urged them to be vigilant.
Andrew Anderson & Sons, also in Stirling, took to social media to encourage people not to be taken in by the links and other Facebook accounts.
In a post on Facebook, the firm wrote: “It has been brought to our attention that new Facebook pages are being set up that mimic funeral notices.
“We recommend that you do not ‘like’, ‘follow’ or accept friend requests from pages regarding funeral arrangements because they are created by internet scammers.
Read more on the Scottish Sun
“You will never be asked to enter any personal details, your email address or your bank account details to watch a funeral service.
“The links posted to funeral notices on our Facebook pages are secure and direct to the service.”
Cops top tips to stop scammers
POLICE Scotland have also shared their top tips for stopping scammers in their tracks.
- Ensure you have adequate anti-virus protection on your computer and keep software up to date.
- Be wary of clicking on links or web pages, especially links in unsolicited emails.
- Never give out login details in an email or over the telephone, no matter how genuine you think the request is.
- Be wary of the information you are giving out on social networking sites (contact details, date of birth etc).
- Do not include your birth date or address in your email address.
- When you are finished with personal or financial documents, shred them before you throw them out.
- Be wary of cold calls. If in doubt just hang up, and never give out personal or financial information if you are unsure who you are
dealing with. - No reputable company will instruct you to make payment by money transfer or by gift voucher.
- Call Police Scotland on 101 if you are unsure or require advice.
Tags: Urgent warning funeral fraud sick scammers target Scots mourners
-
