Scammers are now targeting funeral homes and grieving mourners by distributing fake links to live-stream services and requesting payment.

Live-stream links

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, live-stream funeral services have increased in popularity, as people can attend regardless of their location.

While these live-stream services are often legitimate, scammers have been gaining access to relevant information and exploiting mourners with false invitations and links.

Requests for payment

You should never have to pay to view a funeral service. This should be pre-paid by whoever has organised the funeral.

If you are asked to provide payment details, it’s best to contact the relevant funeral home directly, using information you have found yourself. Use the funeral home’s website, or the phonebook to get in contact and gain the correct link to the service.

Go-Fund-Me

Sometimes, scammers may also set up a Go-Fund-Me page with a photo and story about the deceased, asking for money to support their family. Check with the family directly before donating. Use contact information you know belongs to them and ask them the best way to donate. This way, you can check the page’s legitimacy.

I’ve been scammed!

If you have been scammed:

• contact your bank straight away so you don’t lose any more money.
• contact IDCARE. They can help you plan (for free) to help fix the damage. Call them on 1800 595 160 or visit idcare.org to find out more.
• if you need someone to talk to, reach out to family and friends or contact Lifeline (13 11 14) or Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636).
• report the scam to Scamwatch.

Don’t be ashamed, being scammed can happen to anyone at any time.

Let your loved ones know about this scam and help prevent someone you know being targeted.