Losing a loved one is hard enough on its own without also having to worry about fraud on top of it. The sad truth, however, is that there are two types of funeral and cemetery scams that target seniors, according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

The first act comes in the form of scammers and con artists reading obituaries or either calling on or attending a funeral service of someone they don’t know. Then they take advantage of the grieving family members and friends. The scammers may make claims that the individual had an outstanding debt with them in an effort to extort money from relatives.

The second type of scam comes from funeral homes that are in disrepute. These facilities will often take advantage of grief-stricken family members who do not know the prices associated with funerals. The staff at the funeral home may tack on hidden fees or upcharge the family of the deceased. One example we heard about was a funeral home insisting a casket (at great expense) was still needed even though the deceased was cremated.

For more information on the different types of scams that target seniors, and how to watch out for them, make sure to visit our free resources page to download of copy of Senior Shakedown: The Unknown Dangers of Getting Old, and How to Protect Your Loved Ones.

If you or someone you love needs assistance with Elder Care law issues, call 856-281-3131. Let us help ease your stress and give you a plan.