Scammers copying obituaries to solicit money, industry group warns

A funeral is seen in this image from Shutterstock.com. (Shutterstock)

Fraudsters are using real obituaries to solicit money from mourners, a B.C. consumer protection group warns.

“When you lose a loved one, the last thing you want to worry about is their obituary being copied and used to scam people out of their hard-earned money,” reads a Monday media release from Consumer Protection BC, an organization that regulates various sectors including the funeral industry.

“Sadly, that’s exactly what’s happening online, but there are ways to protect yourself and your loved one’s memory.”

The group says the funeral industry has reported fraudulent websites with information copied from legitimate obituaries that solicit donations or sell memorial gifts such as flowers.

“Instead of supporting someone you care for, the bad actors make off with the money,” the release reads.

To protect oneself from obituary scams, the group advised people to make sure the obituary is posted by an organization they recognize, like a funeral home or newspaper. If in doubt, it says to call the funeral home listed on the obituary to verify.

Other tips include asking someone close to the deceased to confirm the family’s wishes and searching the name of the funeral home on the Consumer Protection BC website to make sure it’s licenced to operate in the province.

If you or someone you know has been a victim of “obituary piracy,” Consumer Protection BC says to contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre or local police.