Writing an obituary is a final act of love. It’s a way to honor a life and inform the community. However, this heartfelt act can have a dangerous consequence. Scammers systematically read obituaries not to mourn, but to mine for data. The personal details you share to honor your loved one can become the very tools a criminal uses to target your family. Ultimately, the information you reveal to scammers can turn a difficult time into a devastating one.
Here are eight pieces of information you should consider leaving out of an obituary.
1. The Deceased’s Full Birth Date
This is one of the most valuable pieces of data for an identity thief. While an obituary always includes the date of death, including the full birth date is a critical mistake. Specifically, a scammer can use a full name, birth date, and death date to piece together a fraudulent identity. They can also use it to try accessing old accounts. Stating the person’s age or just their birth year is much safer.
2. The Deceased’s Maiden Name
Banks and credit card companies often use a woman’s maiden name as a security question. Therefore, when an obituary lists a maiden name, you publicly broadcast the answer to this question. This can give scammers a crucial piece of the puzzle. For example, they can use it to impersonate the deceased or their spouse to access accounts. While traditional, it’s a detail best omitted today.
3. The Exact Home Address
Listing the deceased’s home address is an open invitation for criminals. First, it signals the home may be unoccupied during the funeral, making it a prime target for burglary. Grieving families have returned from a service to find that a burglar has ransacked their home. Instead, it’s much safer to state only the city and state. People who need to send condolences can do so through the funeral home.
4. A Long List of Out-of-Town Relatives
An obituary often lists the names and locations of surviving family. However, a long list of out-of-town relatives can also be a signal to burglars. It tells them that close family members live far away. This means they are not likely to be checking on the deceased’s empty home. This gives criminals a wider window of opportunity to target the property.
5. The Name of the Surviving Spouse
While it seems unthinkable to omit a surviving spouse’s name, scammers can exploit this information. They often use the spouse’s name in a “grandparent” or impostor scam. For example, they will call other elderly relatives and pretend to be the surviving spouse in a crisis. They then claim to need an immediate wire transfer. Knowing the spouse’s name makes their story much more believable.
6. Details About Their Hobbies and Memberships
Mentioning that the deceased collected rare coins or belonged to a country club can seem harmless. However, this can also signal the presence of valuable assets in the home. This makes it a more attractive target for burglars. Additionally, scammers can use these details to make their phishing attempts more convincing when targeting the family.
7. Information About a Recent Illness
Including details like “after a long battle with cancer” can be risky. Unfortunately, medical scammers can weaponize this information. A criminal could use it to call the surviving spouse and impersonate a hospital billing clerk. Then, they will claim a final, outstanding bill needs immediate payment. A grieving spouse may be tricked into paying a completely fraudulent bill.
8. Vague or “In Lieu of Flowers” Donation Requests
It’s common to request donations to a favorite charity. However, a vague request opens the door for scammers. They can create fake charity websites or GoFundMe pages. Then, they will prey on the goodwill of friends and community members. Naming a specific, established charity is always better. You should also provide a direct, verified link to their donation page if possible.
Honor Your Loved One Safely
Crafting an obituary in the midst of grief is a profound challenge. The instinct is to share as much as possible to create a loving portrait. However, you must balance this tribute with the need for security. By being mindful of the data you might reveal, you can protect your family from further pain. You can write a beautiful and honorable tribute without compromising your family’s safety and privacy.
Have you or someone you know ever been targeted by a scam that was based on personal information found online? Share the story in the comments.
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Latrice is a dedicated professional with a rich background in social work, complemented by an Associate Degree in the field. Her journey has been uniquely shaped by the rewarding experience of being a stay-at-home mom to her two children, aged 13 and 5. This role has not only been a testament to her commitment to family but has also provided her with invaluable life lessons and insights.
As a mother, Latrice has embraced the opportunity to educate her children on essential life skills, with a special focus on financial literacy, the nuances of life, and the importance of inner peace.
