When a spouse, parent, sibling or close friend dies, it’s natural to want to tell that individual’s story — to share in obituaries what made the cherished person special and to swap memories on social media. But as you celebrate a loved one’s life and mourn his or her death, take care with what you share, because scammers are paying attention too.
Obituary scams, also known as bereavement scams, typically start with information gleaned from death notices in newspapers or posted online. Criminals harvest facts commonly included in obits — such as the deceased’s birth date, where the person lived and worked, and family members’ names — to start building a profile foridentity theft.
With just a few key details, criminals can locate and purchase a dead person’s personal data on the dark web, including home address and Social Security number. They use that information toaccess or create financial accounts, take out loans, obtain health care or filephony tax returns(and claim bogus refunds) under the deceased’s name — a form of ID theft dubbed ghosting.
Or they’ll weave what they’ve learned about a recent death intoimpostor scamstargeting a surviving spouse or other family member. Criminals posing as government officials, debt collectors or insurance agents try to pry loose more personal data about the deceased, or solicit payment for a supposedly unpaid bill, unclaimed benefit or lapsed policy.
Some bereavement scams are more involved, and they can get personal. Obit-scouring criminals pretend to be long-lost friends or relatives of the deceased, contacting surviving spouses out of the blue to commiserate and reminisce. These displays of simulated compassion can evolve intoromance scamsor attempts to defraud beneficiaries out of inheritance money.
FAQs
Obit-scouring criminals pretend to be long-lost friends or relatives of the deceased, contacting surviving spouses out of the blue to commiserate and reminisce. These displays of simulated compassion can evolve into romance scams or attempts to defraud beneficiaries out of inheritance money.
What information should never be included in an obituary? ›
In most cases, obituaries do not include the names or nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, or in-laws unless they were close to the deceased.
Why would someone not want an obituary? ›
The family might not have a service, so they felt no need for an obituary, as obituaries are often used to provide information on the funeral. The family may have disagreements about what to include in the obituary.
Do obituaries list cause of death? ›
It is preferable, when applicable, to include the age at death and a personal comment such as “surrounded by family” or “comforted by his wife.” NB: Sometimes it is desirable to omit the cause of death – such as when death came as a result of extreme violence, or the carrying out of a court sentence.
What are survivors in an obituary? ›
Survivors and Preceded in death by
Usually people include names of a spouse, parents, children (with any spouse's names listed in parenthesis), grandchildren and great grandchildren. You may choose to list grandchildren and great grandchildren individually by name, or simply include the number of each.
What to omit from an obituary? ›
When you begin writing the obituary, try to omit details that could be used for identity theft including: Deceased's date and place of birth, middle name, maiden name, mother's maiden name or employment history and home address.
What to avoid in an obituary? ›
Common Mistakes to Avoid when Writing an Obituary
- Avoid Making the Obituary About You. ...
- Don't Focus Just on Death. ...
- Listing People Who Were Appreciated. ...
- Avoid Clichés. ...
- Abbreviations. ...
- Don't Over Describe the Funeral.
Alternative Options for Publishing an Obituary
If a family chooses not to write an obituary, that's okay. No law insists families should publish an obituary. But there are several alternative options available for families to help pay tribute to the deceased.
How to memorialize someone who didn't want a funeral? ›
A Casual Memorial Service
These services sometimes take place with an urn present instead. Memorial services or other celebration of life events may take place shortly after passing, as is often the case when an alternative to traditional burial or cremation is chosen.
How much does it cost to put an obituary in the local newspaper? ›
An average obituary can easily be $200.00-500.00. Costs vary by publication. Newspapers charge by the line and can average $450 for a complete obituary. The average obituary cost begins at $200.00 and increases due to the amount of content, including a photograph and the length of the obituary.
When you are listing a relative, make sure to include their first name, their spouse's first name in parenthesis and then their last name. It should look something like this: “JoAnne leaves behind her children Doug (Susan) Smith, Joe (Dianne) Smith, and Sarah (Mark) Perry.”
What is the order of siblings in an obituary? ›
Spouse. Children (in order of date of birth) Grandchildren. Siblings (in order of date of birth)
What do names in parentheses mean in obituaries? ›
If you like to be technical, names should be listed as follows: first name, spouse's first name in parenthesis, then surname (ex: Tom (Sarah) Johnson). If the spouse or partner's surname is different, include their surname in the parenthesis along with their first name (ex: Tom (Sarah Williams) Johnson).
What is the last sentence of an obituary? ›
Concluding Message
Phrases like “We will always carry your memory in our hearts,” or perhaps a favorite quote of your loved one are heartfelt and personal.
What is a good short obituary example? ›
[Full Name], aged [age of the deceased], passed away peacefully on [date of death], at [location of death]. He/she was born on [date of birth], in [birthplace], to [names of parents]. He/she was a proud resident of [city of residence] and was a 1975 graduate of Holy Cross High School.
Do you include estranged family members in an obituary? ›
In general, it's best to avoid leaving out essential family members‚ even if they're estranged. This could cause hurt feelings.
Should you include your birthdate in an obituary? ›
The obituary should begin with the deceased person's full name, nickname, age at death, residence, day, date, place and cause of death. The life story should begin with place and date of birth. List the deceased's parent's names and include the mother's maiden name.
Are in laws mentioned in obituaries? ›
Including in-laws in an obituary is not common, but it can add a special touch that highlights the interconnectedness of family. It's a decision that requires thought, consideration of the deceased's life and wishes, and a balance with standard practices.
