Once someone dies, scammers may target their family to profit. Because mourners are more vulnerable, knowing what scams to avoid is important. This blog looks at some common scams and how to avoid them.
Inheritance Scam
This fraud may offer an inheritance via email, phone, or text. Scammers typically claim that the inheritance is worth money and ask for your bank account information to deposit it. They may also request an email or phone number.
Unexpected inheritance offers are almost always a scam, so never give out your personal information. Scammers may target you if you recently lost a loved one because you may be more vulnerable.
Debtor /Utility Scam
The fraudster will phone you and say you owe them money because the deceased owed them. They may claim to be from a government or collection agency and threaten legal action if you don’t pay the deceased’s obligations. They could also claim to be from a bank, credit card company, or utility provider.
The Memorial Gift Scam
A memorial gifts scam may be harder to recognise since the fraudster will exploit your loved one’s kindness and death to get you to pay. They’ll likely say the decedent left a remembrance gift like a necklace, thumbprint pendant, or other tiny trinket and that you have to pay to acquire it since there’s an outstanding invoice.
The life Insurance Scam
Scammers will try to exploit you if you don’t understand life insurance payouts. In this scam, the scammer poses as a life insurance agent and demands a charge before releasing the claim. They may say the policy was cancelled and try to sell you another.
Life insurance payouts should never require a cost, and insurance companies should never try to sell you a new policy after the insured dies. Call the insurance company’s customer service line to ask about the policy’s status and how to get the payout.
Former Friend Scam
This scam is harder to recognise because many friends, coworkers, family members, and old acquaintances come out after a loved one dies. In this scam, the scammer will state they recently spoke with your loved one before they died and that they wanted to give you money.
The “friend” could also suggest your loved one promised them money or an inheritance if anything happened to them.
Contact Probate Forms for probate advice on 0209 9859553.
