Scam protection

If you watch or listen to the BBC, you might be aware that this week is BBC Scam Safe week. During this week they are highlighting what people can do to protect themselves from being scammed through a week of special programming. As part of Rosedale’s commitment to providing care before and after the funeral, you might also be aware that in the past Rosedale has also hosted cyber security events with Chris Aldrich from RedDune website design and Eleanor Lewis from Beckford and Lewis Financial Planning Ltd who gave talks on how people can protect themselves from falling victim to cyber attacks.

“It’s really important that people know how to spot a scam and also how to protect themselves. Even though we don’t want to think that people would use such a sad time to target people, sadly they do.”

Anna Gould, Attleborough branch of Rosedale

Types of scams to be aware of

There are many ways that fraudsters try to scam people, and they are becoming increasingly adept at doing so. Here are a few examples of scams to look out for:

Impersonation scams: fraudsters pretending to be banks, government departments, utility companies or solicitors claiming urgent action is needed.

Fake invoice or outstanding bill scams: demanding payment for services that were never provided, or for supposed debts of the deceased.

Identity theft: using personal information from obituaries, social media or post to open accounts or commit fraud in the deceased’s name.

Funeral service scams: bogus companies offering discounted funeral packages or pressuring families into paying upfront.

Property and inheritance scams: claiming the deceased left unpaid taxes, fees, or legal obligations to coerce payments.

Charity donation scams: contacting families to request “memorial donations” to organisations that do not exist.

Cyber scams and phishing: emails or texts pretending to be from trusted organisations, asking for login details or directing to fake websites.

Doorstep scams: uninvited callers offering home repairs, security services or probate help at inflated prices.

Bereavement support scams: fake counsellors or support groups requesting personal details or fees.

Subscription and account scams: messages claiming digital or household services need immediate renewal due to the death.

The Insurance Scam – a short story by Barclays Bank

Olivia’s aunt had recently died, and Olivia had been helping plan the funeral, write the obituary, and deal with her aunt’s will.
One afternoon she got a call from an insurance company. They explained that her aunt had a life insurance policy in place, and the family was due a pay-out. Olivia spoke with them for quite a while – they knew a lot about her aunt and it sounded like they’d dealt with her closely.
The insurance company explained that the last premium still needed to be paid for the policy, and they couldn’t pay out any money until it was settled. Olivia could pay the money herself, or it could come from her aunt’s estate.
Olivia decided it would be easiest to pay the money herself, and made the payment over the phone. The adviser thanked her, said they’d be in touch with more details, then ended the call. Olivia never heard from them again, and never received any money.
What’s the scam?
The caller wasn’t a genuine insurance company employee. They’d seen the obituary for Olivia’s aunt, and used the details they got from it to convince Olivia there was an insurance policy. They tricked her into paying a premium that didn’t exist, and then disappeared.

Ways to protect yourself

Be cautious with unsolicited contact

If someone contacts you unexpectedly, whether by phone, email, text or at the door, take a moment before responding. Genuine organisations will not pressure you to act immediately. If you’re unsure, end the conversation and contact the organisation using details from their official website or paperwork you already have.

Don’t rush into financial decisions

Fraudsters often create a false sense of urgency. Give yourself permission to slow down. It’s absolutely fine to say, “I’ll need to check that and get back to you.”

Guard personal and financial information

Be wary of anyone asking for bank details, passwords, or personal information such as dates of birth. Utility companies, banks and government departments will never ask you to confirm full passwords or transfer money to a “safe” account.

Use official channels for administrative tasks

When updating records after a death, always go directly to the organisation’s verified website or phone number. Avoid using links sent in emails or messages, which may not be genuine.

Ask someone you trust to look over things

A second pair of eyes can make a huge difference. Whether it’s a relative, a friend, or one of the team at Rosedale Funeral Home, reaching out for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Check privacy settings on social media

If you or family members are sharing tributes online, consider adjusting privacy settings to limit public access. Scammers sometimes use names, dates and relationships to make their approaches sound more credible.

Follow your instincts

If something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t. Trust your intuition and step back. It’s always better to pause and verify than to take a risk.

How can Rosedale help?

If you receive any communication that seems to be from us that you are not expecting, or you feel unsure about, then please don’t hesitate to contact us as will be able to tell you if the communication was legitimate.