In an increasingly digital world, even grief has not escaped the reach of scammers. A disturbing trend has emerged where cyber criminals exploit individuals’ vulnerability during times of mourning, using fake funeral streaming services on Facebook to steal personal information and money. This heartless tactic preys on the grieving, making it essential for people to be vigilant and aware of the latest scams targeting those in emotional distress.
How the Scam Works
As more people turn to online platforms to stay connected with family and friends, particularly during significant life events, scammers have found a new avenue to exploit. The fake funeral streaming scam involves fraudsters creating fake Facebook events or pages claiming to provide a livestream of a funeral service for a recently deceased individual. These fraudulent pages often look convincing, using stolen photos and obituaries to make the event appear legitimate.
Victims are typically sent a link to the supposed funeral livestream, which requires them to provide personal information or pay a fee to access the stream. In some cases, the link directs them to a malicious website designed to steal financial data or install harmful software on their device. Once the victim has shared their details or made a payment, the scammers disappear, leaving grieving families even more distressed.
Why These Scams Are So Effective
The effectiveness of these scams lies in their emotional manipulation. Funerals are deeply personal and often sensitive occasions, and the pressure to connect with others during a time of loss makes victims more likely to fall for these deceptive tactics. In many cases, family members and friends who may not be in close contact with the deceased are more vulnerable, as they are eager to show their respects online.
The scammers also take advantage of the fact that online platforms like Facebook allow anyone to create an event or page. This makes it easy for fraudsters to pose as legitimate funeral organisers and target individuals who might not question the authenticity of the stream.
How to Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones
While it’s distressing to think that cyber criminals would exploit grief, there are steps you can take to avoid falling victim to this type of scam:
Verify the Authenticity of Online Funeral Announcements: If you receive an invitation to a funeral livestream, contact the family directly or through a known representative to confirm its legitimacy. Do not rely solely on information shared through social media or unfamiliar links.
Avoid Clicking on Unknown Links: Links shared via unsolicited messages or unfamiliar pages should be approached with caution. Always verify the source before clicking, particularly when it involves sensitive events like funerals.
Be Wary of Requests for Payment or Personal Information: A genuine funeral livestream does not usually require personal information or fees. If you are asked to provide financial details to access a funeral stream, it’s likely a scam. Legitimate funeral organisers will not request payment for online access.
Check the Page or Event’s Credibility: Look at the page or event’s history on Facebook. Scammers often create pages or events with limited activity or only recent posts. An established, trusted page will typically have a longer history and more engagement from genuine followers.
Report Suspicious Activity to Facebook: If you come across a suspicious funeral event or page, report it to Facebook. By flagging these scams, you can help protect others from falling into the same trap. You can also report fraud attempts to Action Fraud, the UK’s national centre for fraud and cybercrime.
The Importance of Staying Vigilant Online
As our lives continue to intertwine with digital platforms, it’s crucial to stay vigilant and cautious, especially when dealing with sensitive situations. Scammers are becoming increasingly adept at using emotional manipulation to trick people, and funeral scams are just one example of how they can exploit trust.
At the South West Cyber Resilience Centre, we are committed to raising awareness about the latest online threats and providing guidance on how to stay safe in a digital world. Cyber security isn’t just about protecting data — it’s about safeguarding people, especially during times of vulnerability.
Supporting Your Digital Safety
While platforms like Facebook are working to improve security and detect fake events, individuals must also take an active role in safeguarding their personal information. By learning to recognise the signs of a scam and knowing how to verify online events, you can protect yourself and your loved ones from falling victim to these malicious tactics.
If you need support or advice on how to protect your business or personal online activities from cyber threats, contact the South West Cyber Resilience Centre. We provide practical guidance tailored to your needs, helping you stay secure in an increasingly connected world.