Stealing from the Grieving: How to Spot Bereavement Scams in Oregon

Losing a loved one is emotionally devastating. Unfortunately, for scammers, your grief is an opportunity.

Bereavement scams are on the rise, with con artists using public obituaries to target widows, widowers, and personal representatives (also known as executors). They rely on the fact that you're overwhelmed, grieving, and likely managing unfamiliar financial duties. Here's how to spot these predators and protect your family's estate.

What Is the Ghost Debt Scam?

One of the most common schemes involves a stranger contacting you, often days after the funeral, claiming your late spouse had an outstanding debt. They may sound official, threatening legal action if the overdue balance isn't paid immediately via wire transfer or credit card.

The reality is that legitimate creditors do not demand immediate payment over the phone, nor do they threaten arrest. Never pay a debt instantly. As a personal representative or surviving spouse, you have the legal right to demand a proof of claim in writing. If they refuse to send paper documentation, it's a scam.

How Does the Cash-on-Delivery Trap Work?

In this scenario, a courier arrives at your doorstep with a package, claiming it was ordered by the deceased right before they passed. They demand a cash-on-delivery fee to leave it.

You pay the fee, thinking it was a final gift or necessary item, only to open the box and find it empty or filled with junk. Instruct all family members to refuse any package that requires payment unless you have a specific tracking number and order confirmation verifying it.

How Do Scammers Find Bereaved Families?

It feels invasive, but scammers browse local newspapers and online obituary sites to harvest names, surviving family members, and funeral details. When writing an obituary, consider omitting specific addresses or the exact day and time of the funeral if possible. Burglars also use this information to target empty homes during the service.

What Are Common Funeral Home Upselling Tactics?

While most funeral directors are compassionate professionals, some engage in predatory upselling practices. The sealed casket myth claims you need an expensive protective casket to preserve the body. The Federal Trade Commission bans claims that a casket can permanently preserve remains.

For cremation, you do not need to buy a casket for a direct cremation. You have the right to use an inexpensive alternative container, usually cardboard or unfinished wood. If a funeral home tells you otherwise, they are violating federal law.

What Should You Do If You Suspect a Scam?

First, stop all communication immediately. Hang up and do not engage further. Next, verify the claim by calling the court or the alleged creditor using a number you find online, not the one they provided. Finally, report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission and your state's Attorney General to help protect other families.

Protecting Yourself During Grief

Grief can cloud your judgment, and scammers know it. The best defense is a pause button. Do not agree to pay anything or sign anything without consulting your estate planning attorney first.

We can act as your shield during the estate administration process, helping you verify claims and navigate financial matters during this difficult time. Contact us at (503) 235-5150 if you suspect you've been targeted by a bereavement scam or need guidance managing an estate. Mention this article when you call, and we'll help you protect your loved one's legacy from predators.