As a San Diego probate lawyer, I’ve witnessed firsthand how scammers exploit families during their most vulnerable moments. The days and weeks following a loved one’s passing should be a time for healing and remembrance – not defending against fraud. Let me share some crucial insights to help protect your family during this sensitive time.
The Debt Collection Deception
One of the most heartless schemes involves fake debt collectors who prey on families’ sense of duty. These scammers scour obituaries and claim the deceased owed them money, demanding immediate payment to “honor” their loved one’s obligations.
Protection Tips:
- Never make immediate payments to unknown creditors
- Request detailed written verification of any claimed debt
- Remember: legitimate unsecured creditors must file claims through proper probate channels
- Direct all collection attempts to your probate attorney
The Property Deed Scheme
In this elaborate scam, fraudsters send official-looking letters claiming the family needs to obtain a new property deed or title document—for a substantial fee, of course. They create artificial urgency, suggesting delays could result in property loss.
How to Stay Safe:
- Know that property transfers happen through proper probate procedures
- Understand that no immediate deed action is typically required
- Verify any property-related requests with your probate attorney
- Never send payments to third-party companies claiming to handle deed transfers
The Insurance Information Scam
Perhaps the most insidious scheme involves criminals posing as insurance company representatives, claiming they need personal information to process benefits. They’re actually fishing for details to commit identity theft—of both the deceased and surviving family members.
Protective Measures:
- Work directly with known insurance agents or companies
- Never provide Social Security numbers or banking information to unsolicited callers
- Keep death certificate copies limited to necessary parties
- Monitor the deceased’s credit report for suspicious activity
Funeral and Home Security Scam
In this Scam, a caller claiming to be from a security company tells a newly grieving family that they are with an armed security company. The caller tells the family that in their neighborhood several homes have been robbed while a family was at the funeral. They offer to provide protection for the house during the funeral for a set fee. Some of these scammers have also told survivors that there have been threats to gatherings of members of their ethnic group and that their loved one’s funeral could be targeted. They recommend armed security for the funeral which they will provide for a set price. The Scammer then sends a runner to pick up the payment. No services are provided. Of course, since they now know when the home will be vacant for the funeral, they are all set to be able to steal whatever they want from the vacant home.
Protective Measures:
Never pay a security company cash in advance
Do not publish the date and time of the funeral in the paper
Have an active alarm system or security guard from a known company watching the house during the funeral
If no one will be living in the house for a period of time, remove all valuables
You don’t have to face these challenges alone. Our compassionate team understands both the emotional and legal complexities of probate, and we’re here to help protect your family during this vulnerable time. Contact us at 619-281-1888 to schedule a consultation and learn how we can help safeguard your loved one’s legacy while giving you peace of mind.