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Are You Ready to Write an Obituary? 10 Tips to Stay Away From Scams

Keep your decedent's finances and their surviving loved ones safe.

It’s tradition for families to write and publish an obituary in the local newspaper or online when a family member passes away. However, this practice can attract scammers.

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Obituary scams typically start with information gleaned from death notices, and can result in fraudsters:

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  • Accessing personal bank accounts.
  • Opening lines of credit.
  • Obtaining healthcare.
  • Filing fraudulent tax returns.

Money is the primary motivation for obituary fraud. In the event of a death, it isn’t just the decedent’s finances that become vulnerable. Surviving family members, friends and professional connections can become targets as well.

Before preparing the obituary, take a moment to educate yourself on the possible risks involved.

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To read more visit the Hartford HealthCare Health News Hub.

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