When crafting an obituary for a loved one, most people focus on celebrating the person’s life and informing others about funeral arrangements. However, as a Tampa probate lawyer, I’ve seen how obituaries can inadvertently expose families to various risks. Scam artists and identity thieves regularly scan obituaries, looking for information they can exploit.
Common Scams to Watch Out For
Identity thieves use obituaries to piece together personal information about the deceased and their families. They might attempt to:
- Open credit cards in the deceased person’s name
- Target surviving family members with fraudulent bills
- Use family details for social engineering scams
- Access or create accounts using personal information
- Target empty homes during published funeral times
Smart Ways to Protect Your Family
When writing an obituary, consider omitting or modifying these details:
- The deceased’s exact birth date (use just the year)
- Home addresses of survivors
- Maiden names, especially of surviving relatives
- Names of young grandchildren
- Specific details about where family members work or live
Instead of listing every surviving family member by name and location, consider using general terms like “survived by children and grandchildren in the Tampa Bay area.”
Additional Security Measures
While the obituary is being published, families should:
- Have someone watch the deceased’s home during services
- Monitor credit reports for suspicious activity
- Notify banks and credit card companies promptly
- Be wary of unexpected calls or emails claiming to be from companies the deceased dealt with
- Review social media privacy settings for all family membersÂ
Moving Forward Safely
As your family navigates this difficult time, remember that protecting privacy is just one aspect of managing a loved one’s passing. A Tampa probate lawyer can help ensure all aspects of the estate are properly handled and protected. We can guide you through securing assets, managing accounts, and preventing fraud during the probate process.
If you need assistance as you navigate through the estate administration process, we are here to help protect both your loved one’s legacy and your family’s security. Contact our Tampa office at (813) 438-8503 for compassionate guidance during this sensitive time