Mourners targeted in Facebook funeral scams

Funeral directors across the country have had their online accounts targeted by scammers

Mourners are being targeted in a “despicable” and fast-spreading funeral scam.

Facebook fraudsters are using stolen images and phony funeral live links to convince grieving families to part with credit card details.

Funeral directors are urging people be on their guard against scammers hijacking genuine memorial posts.

Julie Whitehouse, from Darlington’s Whitehouse Funeral Services, said: “I don't know how someone could go so low as to latch on to a funeral business to try and scam people.”

The company, like many also targeted worldwide, offers bereaved people the opportunity to post a memorial image and message on Facebook in honour of lost loved ones.

But almost every time cyber criminals respond within minutes with a fake profile using the photograph and personal details of the dead person.

That profile is used to promote phishing links directing mourners to a live stream of the funeral, with those that click asked to share credit card details to view the service.

Julie and John Whitehouse run a funeral services business in Darlington

"It's a nightmare," Mrs Whitehouse said.

"We only get one chance to do what it is we do and we want everything to be as it needs to be on that day.

"Then, when the day of the funeral arrives, we're running around trying to stop scammers when we should be making sure the cars are ready, the flowers are done and the family are supported."

John Whitehouse added: "We are absolutely disgusted that this is being allowed through the platform.

"We are finding it all very distressing and it is really down to Facebook to sort this problem out."

The BBC has contacted Facebook for a response.

'Despicable'

Nick Britten, communications lead for the National Association of Funeral Directors, said there had been a spate of such scams in recent months.

Warning the public to be wary of scam links, he said funeral directors generally do not charge for live streaming.

He added: "This is obviously a despicable practice preying on bereaved people.

"Our advice to members of the public is to be extremely wary of any external links supposedly promoting a livestream, fundraising or asking for donations, and instead always check with the family or the funeral director to see whether it is legitimate.

"If a funeral is being livestreamed, a funeral director will always be able to provide the correct link."

A spokeswoman for Durham Constabulary echoed Mr Britten's warning and urged anyone affected to report concerns to the National Cyber Security Centre.