Bereavement Scams
Scammers use the death of a relative to try and trick you into paying them money
See our first steps page for more about the bereavement process and related scams.
How it can happen to you
- A scammer uses a death as an opportunity to ‘reconnect’ with a bereaved family, claiming the decease owed them money
- A scammer poses as an insurance agent, and says you’re entitled to a large sum of money but that you need to pay a premium to access the cash
How to protect yourself
- Never rush to make a payment – take the time to check the person asking for money is genuine. If you feel threatened, speak to the police
- Always think carefully about how you announce the death of a loved one. Information like their date of birth, address, middle name or maiden name can all help a scammer to target you
- Don’t be pressured into making a payment there and then – no real insurance company will insist you do this. If you’re on the phone, end the call. Find a number for the company from a reliable source, not from any correspondence you’ve received, and call them to ask whether the large sum of money really exists
- Remember – someone genuine will never mind you checking to make sure they’re not a scammer
What does it look like?
We've written a story that shows what a bereavement scam might look like. It describes common tactics we know scammers use, based on insights from our fraud and scams team.
Types of scams to watch out for
These are among the most common tricks currently used by scammers but they constantly come up with new ways to contact you, so be vigilant.
Impersonation scams
When someone pretends to be the police, a bank, a friend or business, to convince you to send them money.
Investment scams
When you’re invited to invest in things that are worthless, or don’t exist.
Purchase scams
When fake or non-existent items are advertised for sale.
Advance fee scams
When fake companies ask for an upfront fee and then don’t provide the service you’ve paid for.
Invoice scams
When account details on an invoice are changed, or emails are intercepted, so the money is wrongly paid into the scammer’s account.
Romance scams
When someone pretends to be interested in a romantic relationship with you. They gain your trust and then ask for money.
Pension scams
A scammer says they can make you money, and convinces you take a lump sum out of your pension – then steals it.
Doorstep scams
A rogue trader knocks on your door and pretends your house needs work – then overcharges you for it and often doesn't finish the job.
Bereavement scams
A scammer contacts you after someone has died, and says you owe money to pay off a debt or access a payout.
Phishing, smishing, and vishing
You receive an email, text message, or call claiming to be from a well-known company or organisation such as a bank or the police.
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