As scammers continue to find new lows, a fresh online scam has emerged, preying on vulnerable individuals in their time of grief.
This devious scheme, known as the pirate fraud, leverages artificial intelligence to intrude into victims’ accounts, fabricating fake obituaries to exploit the emotions of those mourning their loved ones.
A scene unfolds where a bereaved individual stands at a gravesite. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
It is imperative to remain vigilant, as these heartless scams specifically target compassionate individuals who are susceptible to aiding those in mourning. Safeguarding oneself and loved ones is paramount to thwarting such deceitful practices.
In another setting, a grieving person is depicted lying on the floor. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
Moreover, understanding how imposters manipulate grief in a new funeral scam is crucial.
Unraveling the Mechanics of the Deceptive Obituary Scheme
Have you ever encountered a memorial page for a departed loved one on your social media feed? Perhaps you’ve been enticed to click on links to learn more about the deceased, their legacy, or the circumstances of their passing.
While contemplating honoring the individual with a donation or floral tribute, the thought of falling victim to a scam is likely far from your mind. Unfortunately, there has been a surge in scams targeting the grieving.
Tracking Search Patterns
Scammers kick off their ploy by analyzing Google search trends to pinpoint when individuals are seeking funeral details following a loss.
Demystifying Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Fabricating False Narratives
Utilizing AI technology, scammers craft counterfeit obituaries hosted on reputable memorial or funeral websites once they identify the deceased.
Optimizing Search Results
Employing SEO tactics, scammers ensure these fabricated pages rank prominently in search results for specific memorial queries.
Setting the Trap
When unsuspecting individuals click on these links, they are redirected to adult entertainment or dating sites, or prompted to complete a CAPTCHA that may surreptitiously install web push notifications or pop-up ads upon interaction.
While these ads may masquerade as virus alerts, they ultimately lead visitors to legitimate pages promoting subscription-based antivirus software. This bait-and-switch tactic preys on the fear of malware infection, ensnaring unwitting victims.
Dual Revenue Streams for Con Artists
Subsequently, scammers profit through online reward schemes that deceive users into downloading unnecessary software or through paid-per-impression ads displayed on websites.
Though this scam differs in execution from traditional schemes, its ingenuity underscores the evolving landscape of online fraud. While the Secureworks Counter Threat Unit notes the current absence of trojan infection attempts, the scam’s tactics may evolve over time.
In a different scenario, a grieving girl is seen engrossed in her smartphone. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
Protecting Yourself from Obituary Frauds
When encountering a memorial page, exercise caution by asking critical questions to shield yourself from potential scams:
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Verify your connection to the deceased individual before clicking on any links. Refrain from interacting with obituary pages of unfamiliar persons. If you do recognize the individual, ensure the link originates from a trusted source rather than conducting a generic search.
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Familiarize yourself with fraudulent websites known for hosting fake obituaries, such as Nextdoorfuneralhomes.com, Memorialinfoblog.com, Obituaryway.com, and Funeralinfotime.com. Remain vigilant, as scammers may also exploit reputable platforms.
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Confirm the authenticity of the obituary subject’s passing. Some scammers fabricate memorials for individuals who are alive, underscoring the need for scrutiny.
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Watch for telltale signs of a fraudulent site, such as overly descriptive language and a detached tone. Scammers often rely on AI to expedite the creation of counterfeit memorials, sacrificing authenticity for speed in their deceitful endeavors.
In a reflective moment, an individual gazes into a mirror. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
Insights from Kurt
Scammers prey on the emotionally vulnerable, exploiting their vulnerabilities. While this memorial scam represents a new frontier, its essence parallels traditional phone scams that coerce victims into parting with money or sensitive information. Therefore, exercising caution and critical thinking is paramount before engaging with unfamiliar websites, documents, or calls.
For inquiries on the social responsibility of online platforms in safeguarding users from exploitative scams, reach out to us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.
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Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson, a distinguished tech journalist contributing to Fox News & FOX Business, offers expertise on technology, gadgets, and innovations enhancing daily life. Need tech advice? Subscribe to Kurt’s comprehensive CyberGuy Newsletter on CyberGuy.com to share your thoughts, story ideas, or feedback.
