In the wake of loss, amidst the chaos of funeral arrangements and emotional turmoil, the last thing one expects is to be targeted by unscrupulous individuals seeking to exploit vulnerability. Yet, tragically, such scams are all too common, preying on the grieving and the bereaved in their time of need. Here are five scams to be vigilant against, along with tips to safeguard against falling prey to their deceit:
1. Fake Life Insurance Policy Scam: In this scheme, scammers reach out to surviving family members, claiming the deceased had a lucrative life insurance policy but was behind on payments. They request a sum of money, typically around $2,000, to “rectify” the situation and receive the purported payout. To safeguard against this, refrain from divulging personal information over the phone and verify the legitimacy of any such claims directly with the insurance company.
2. “IRS” Calls: Aggressive callers posing as IRS agents target bereaved individuals, alleging outstanding tax debts of the deceased and threatening legal action if not paid promptly. Remember, the IRS does not make such demands via phone calls and will never demand immediate payment or personal information over the phone. Verify the authenticity of any such calls by contacting the IRS directly.
3. Medicare Scam: Scammers exploit the guise of Medicare updates, requesting sensitive information such as Social Security numbers and birth dates under the pretense of card updates. Be wary of unsolicited requests for personal information and remember that government entities do not solicit such details over the phone or via email.
4. Bogus Collection Agents: Fraudulent collection agents target bereaved individuals, claiming outstanding debts on credit cards, loans, or medical bills. They may even send fake invoices addressed to the deceased. Seek legal advice before entertaining any such demands, and never succumb to pressure without verifying the legitimacy of the debt and the collector.
5. Burglary During Funeral Services: As mourners gather to bid farewell to their loved ones, opportunistic burglars may strike, targeting empty homes during funeral services. Enlist the help of trusted neighbors or friends to safeguard the bereaved’s home during this vulnerable time.
Remain Vigilant, Stay Safe: If contacted by anyone claiming financial obligations related to the deceased, demand verifiable information such as their name, firm, and contact details. Legitimate entities will readily provide this information, whereas scammers often retreat when faced with scrutiny. By remaining vigilant and seeking verification, you can protect yourself and your loved ones from falling victim to these heartless schemes.