Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger is urging the public to remain vigilant when selecting perpetual care and memorialization services following discovery of scam that targeted a grieving widow.
In January, a Georgia resident reported that their elderly mother was deceived by an imposter posing as a representative of the Veterans Affairs (VA) cemetery where her late husband was set to be buried. The scammer falsely claimed she needed to purchase an insurance policy to cover her during the burial process.
When the widow hesitated, the fraudster used high-pressure tactics, insisting that immediate payment was required to prevent the burial from being rescheduled or canceled. The victim initially attempted to send money via Zelle, but the transaction was flagged and blocked due to fraud detection. The scammer then directed her to send $1,200 via PayPal, which she unfortunately did.
Upon discovering the fraudulent transaction, the woman’s child contacted the Secretary of State’s office, prompting an immediate investigation. Authorities alerted the cemetery and a local funeral home, which confirmed that scams targeting grieving families are alarmingly common. The case has since been escalated to multiple law enforcement agencies for further action.
Warning Signs of Memorial Scams
The Secretary of State’s office warns that common signs of fraud include:
- Bogus fees and upselling: Scammers may demand payment for services that should be free, such as burials in VA national cemeteries, which include a gravesite, perpetual care, and a government-provided headstone at no cost to eligible families.
- High-pressure tactics: Fraudsters may insist on immediate payment for unfamiliar services.
- False claims of unpaid debts: Scammers may claim the deceased owed money, pressuring families to pay without verifiable proof.
- Unsolicited offers of help: Be cautious of unknown individuals claiming to advocate for your loved one’s memorial benefits.
How to Protect Yourself
To avoid falling victim to similar scams, the Secretary of State’s office advises:
- Research funeral homes and cemeteries before committing to services, checking for disciplinary actions.
- Engage directly with verified representatives to confirm plans and benefits.
- Ensure family members are informed about end-of-life decisions and document them properly.
- Never sign blank documents or agreements without fully reviewing all charges and fees.
For those who suspect fraud, the Secretary of State’s office encourages immediate reporting to authorities.
