The New York State Division of Consumer Protection has issued a consumer alert warning New Yorkers about funeral fraud and end-of-life identity theft, which is also known as “ghosting.”
This type of fraud, according to the consumer alert, can include obituary scams, impersonating funeral businesses or donation websites to steal money from surviving family and friends, and even stealing a dead person’s identity to open credit cards, apply for loans and commit crimes.
New York State Office for the Aging Director Greg Olsen said that, according to the Consumer Federation of America, scams like these cost consumers $119 billion annually.
“The tragic and shocking reality is that scammers will take advantage of every opportunity, including the recent death of a loved one, when a would-be victim may be vulnerable or susceptible to deceptive practices,” Olsen said.
Here are some tips and red flags the NY State Division of Consumer Protection provided to protect yourself and your loved ones from funeral fraud and end-of-life identity theft.
Protect yourself from funeral fraud
These are the funeral fraud red flags the NY State Division of Consumer Protection suggests New Yorkers look out for:
Protect loved ones from end-of-life identity theft
Here are the tips the NY State Division of Consumer Protection suggests New Yorkers keep in mind to protect the identity of their loved ones after they die:
To learn more about funeral fraud, end-of-life identity theft and other types of scams, visit the New York State Office for Aging’s scams-prevention website.
— Madison Scott is a New York Connect reporter, covering entertainment, breaking and consumer news, and trending topics with a focus on stories that matter to readers across New York State. She also has an interest in how the system helps or doesn’t help families with missing loved ones. She can be reached at MDScott@USATodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: NY warns of funeral scams and ‘ghosting.’ What families need to know
Reporting by Madison Scott, New York Connect Team / Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Madison Scott, New York Connect Team | USA TODAY Network
