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Those mourning a loved one may be vulnerable to the deceitful tricks of scammers. Unfortunately, these thieves do not show remorse and may opt to strike while you are attending a funeral or arranging memorial plans. To help protect the Morehead, KY, community, the caring team at Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals share a few common ways con artists prey on mourning victims.

3 Ways Criminals Target the Bereaved

1. Robbery

Thieves are always on the lookout for periods when homeowners are away. If there is a known time frame, such as a scheduled public funeral, they may choose to strike then. To protect your home, set up a reliable alarm system and consider having a neighbor keep an eye on your property during the service.

2. Identity Theft

funeralCriminals often steal deceased persons’ identities. This practice is known as ghosting, and departed children are particularly vulnerable to this tactic. If a criminal can successfully pinpoint someone’s social security number, they can steal their identity as well as money, assets, and other benefits. To reduce the risk of identity theft, send the IRS a copy of the death certificate.

3. Duplicitous Attendees

If you plan to host a large, public funeral, be wary of potential scammers in attendance. After reading an obituary, criminals attend funerals in hopes of deceiving the bereaved. In some cases, they claim the deceased had significant debt and attempt to burden the family with it. They may also try to do this via a phone call, email, or even showing up at your door. Never give your money to anyone until they can definitively prove who they are.

For the support and protection you deserve during the difficult time of grief, consult the caring team at Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals. They provide Rowan County with a number of memorial services, including burials and cremations. Call the funeral home today at (606) 784-6491. For more information about funeral planning, visit the team online

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