Published on Facebook shares A. Link to the direct current From the funeral ceremony, or to the donation collection page created by the deceased’s family.
Clicking on that takes you to a separate page where you request your card details, and explains that there are a 10 -pound fee to watch the virtual funeral, or request a donation.
You pay, but nothing happens.
This is because it is a fraud, with the CTSI Institute, which recently highlights the warning of a disturbing type of fraud that the victims share personal information, or hidden in transferring money.
“It is difficult to imagine a more harsh form of fraud,” says Catherine Hart, the main CTSI officer for the doorstep crime.
“What disturbs especially is that the victims often feel that they cannot report what happened for fear of adding more tension to the sad families. This silence is exactly what these criminals depend on.”
Virtual funerals have become common during the Covid and still popular, because they allow friends and relatives who cannot attend personally to pay their respect.
But they have become a target for deceitors via the Internet who often reach the deaths that were in the media, or those for young people, and they know that there will be a lot of public interest.
The National Association of Fuel Managers (NAFD) says that the fraud may take place for two years and occur throughout the United Kingdom and Ireland.
Since many victims do not report what happened, it is difficult to measure the number of cases, but the Trade Authority says they are still in height.
How to work
The fraudsters scan the funeral notifications available to the public and create fake profiles on Facebook, which is presented as family members or friends of the deceased, according to CTSI.
Then the criminals are connected to the norms with false links to the direct funeral that requires payment, or to place fake donation pages, and often on platforms to collect reliable donations.
Sometimes they send friendship requests to people connected to the original site that, if they accept, can access their photos and details.
After clicking on the live broadcast link, the mourners are required to pay. Then the fake link causes a sorrow because the individual may miss the original live broadcast, but it is also annoyed by the fact that they have given the details of his card to a deception.
What to do?
Do not receive any money.
Andrew Jude, CEO of NAFD, says that, as a rule, the funeral managers do not charge a fee for live broadcasting. He says the audience “must be” very cautious about any external ties that are supposed to promote the ludic and ask for money. “
“Likewise, for pages that seem to collect donations, or request donations, instead of clicking, always check the family or funeral manager to see if this is legitimate.”
“If a funeral is broadcast, the funeral manager will be able to present the real link and always be able to ask whether anyone has fears.”
The embarrassing victims often not tell anyone, but Hart says that “silence is exactly what these criminals depend on,” adding: “We need people to stay awake, exchange warnings and report anything suspicious.”
CTSI repeats that fees should not be imposed on a funeral, either personal or via live broadcast. You should just donate through official channels and verify them, and you must check the funeral manager called or nobles if you are not sure, it adds.
On social media, be careful of friendship requests or messages from unfamiliar profiles, even if she is a common friend.
If you think you have provided card details to a fraud, contact your bank immediately.
While trying to raise awareness of fraud, CTSI says he needs “to speak publicly, report others and protect them from becoming a victim.”
If you or anyone you know are affected, you live in England and Wales, you must contact Fraud work Through its website or by calling the number 0300 123 2040. Otherwise, contact the direct picture of Scotland on 0808 164 6000 or the consumption line in Northern Ireland at 0300 123 6262.
