Do’s and Don’ts to Avoid Death-Related Scams

Managing a person’s financial life is complicated at the best of times, but can be especially challenging when that person passes away. The unfortunate reality is that, there are unscrupulous people who may try to take advantage of people who are overwhelmed by grief.

Burglars are known to target homes when a family is at a funeral and financial scammers can prey on people when their guard is down. That’s why it’s important to be aware of common scams when a loved one passes away.

Death-Related Scams to be Aware of:

  • Fake obituaries that encourage people to contribute to a “tribute” fund.

  • Promises of inheritance or insurance money that claim you need to pay a fee to receive it.

  • Requests to access accounts of the deceased.

  • Calls that say the deceased owed them money or inheritance taxes are due.



Here are five do’s and don’ts to avoid becoming a victim of a death-related scam:

Do          

  1. Notify the three credit bureaus -Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax -of a loved one’s passing and freeze their credit.

  2. Report fraud if you suspect wrongdoing to the FTC at 1-877-FTC-Help.

  3. Check out charity sites such as Guidestar or Charity Navigator to avoid giving money to a phony organization. If it’s a private fund, ensure the information comes from a valid source, such as a funeral website.

  4. Safeguard personal effects, documents with personal information and a loved one’s home by changing locks.

  5. Become familiar with the Federal Trade Commission Funeral Rules which require funeral homes to provide certain information in writing such as pricing.


Do Not

  1. Give out any personal information to an unknown caller who is claiming they want to help you and need personal or account access to do so. As a rule, you should be the one to initiate the calls to manage your loved one’s estate. If you’re not sure if the company is legitimate, it’s wise hang up the phone and verify that it is legitimate. 

  2. Publish the day and time of a funeral.  Someone could break into your home during that time, thinking that everyone would be away.  If you feel strongly about making that information public, arrange to have someone be at the home as a house sitter.

  3. Publish maiden names, birthdays or other identifying information which could be used by someone wanting to steal the deceased’s identity.

  4. Give assets to anyone claiming they are entitled to payment, for example, a debt collector.  Check out any claims and verify first.

  5. Click on a message “look who died” on Facebook.  This could wipe out your account, install Malwarebytes or compromise your personal information.


Scams are unfortunately common and the best way to protect yourself is to take precautions.  If you need assistance after a loved one has passed, a daily money manager such as those at Everyday Money Management could help. Give us a call at 301-801-2294 or send us a message.

Sharon Zissman