08/04/2023

Scam Alert Reminder!

In May, OFDA provided information from NFDA about a scam alert targeting families who recently lost a loved one by "selling" funeral service liability insurance to the families. Most recent, several OFDA members in southwest Ohio had families who were targeted where the fraudulent parties were selling liability insurance in case severe or inclement weather occurred the day the funeral was scheduled.

On Wednesday, August 2, 2023, ICCFA also notified OFDA that its members in California, Ohio and Pennsylvania had reported similar instances. This unfortunate scam targets families that have recently lost a loved one and planned funeral services. The scammer looks at recent obituaries and then pulls names to contact. The scammer then calls the family and falsely purports to be an employee of the funeral home or cemetery which they just found from the obituary. 

The scammers can also use spoofing software so the number they are calling from appears to be a legitimate business number. They tell the family that there was a problem with their credit card or simply need additional money for the funeral arrangements to stay on schedule. The family then gives the scammer, believing they are from the funeral home or cemetery, the requested information.

Please be aware of this potential scam and let the families you serve know your process and not to provide credit card information to anyone over the phone.