"Disturbing" New Scam Targeting Families Of Deceased Veterans

BUCKS COUNTY, PA — The Guardians Of The National Cemetery in Washington Crossing is alerting the community to a new and disturbing scam targeting families of veterans who have recently received military funeral honors.

Scammers are calling families of deceased veterans, posing as members of an Honor Guard and claiming that payment is required for the military funeral honors provided for their loved one, the Guardians said.

"Please know, military funeral honors are always provided at no cost," said the Guardians. "They are an earned honor for eligible veterans, not a service anyone should ever be asked to pay for."

Anyone who receives a call from someone claiming to represent an Honor Guard and requesting money should take the following actions:

• Do not provide payment or financial information
• Hang up immediately
• Report the scam at ReportFraud.FTC.gov.

"A family who has just honored the life and service of a veteran should never have to worry about being taken advantage of during such a difficult time," said the Guardians.

The organization added, "Please share this warning with your family, friends, neighbors, funeral directors, and community pages. The power of social media can make a real difference. By sharing this information, we can help spread the word, look out for one another, and hopefully protect another family from becoming a victim."