AI Scammers Target Grieving Families, Pretend to be Funeral Home Officials
AI scams are becoming more prevalent, according to cybersecurity company IdentityIQ. Scammers are now preying on people who are in their most vulnerable moments, pretending to be from a funeral home in order to extort money from those grieving loved ones, according to officials.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) expressed its outrage over these heartless scams, stating, “Can it get any lower?” The fraudsters behind these scams claim that the funeral arrangements will be canceled unless the person sends more money.
“If there was a Scammers Hall of Shame, this one would make the Top 10 List, without question,” the FTC said. They advised people who are contacted for more money to avoid acting immediately because legitimate businesses will give customers time to respond.
In response to these scams, the FTC provided some guidelines to help individuals protect themselves. They encourage individuals to call the funeral home directly about any financial issues and to never send someone a wire transfer, cryptocurrency, or a gift card. The FTC also warns against depositing a check and sending money back to someone.
Unfortunately, many people have already fallen victim to these scams. Lisa Ann Motto, whose husband recently passed away, received a scam call the day after his death. The scammer tried to scare her into paying $5,000, claiming it was a deposit for insurance purposes. Motto’s attempts to transfer the money through Zelle and Apple Pay were flagged as suspicious, but thankfully, her son intervened and prevented the fraudulent transaction.
Similarly, Hope Etherton, a funeral director in Alabama, shared another chilling account. One of her clients received a call from a scammer claiming to be Etherton’s brother, another funeral director at the funeral home. Luckily, Etherton was present during the call and was able to expose the scammer by clarifying her relationship with her alleged brother.
These distressing incidents highlight the audacity and heartlessness of these scammers, who target grieving families during their most vulnerable moments. Lisa Ann Motto aptly stated, “They just catch you at such a weak moment. There’s a special place in hell for people like that.”
As AI scams continue to evolve and target unsuspecting individuals, it is crucial for people to remain vigilant and adhere to the FTC’s guidelines. By staying informed and taking necessary precautions, individuals can protect themselves and their loved ones from falling victim to these heartless scams.