RUTLEDGE — Local families are being urged to remain vigilant after reports that scammers are exploiting obituaries and posing as funeral home employees in an attempt to steal money from grieving loved ones.
According to information released by Smith-Reagan Funeral Home, criminals have been contacting relatives shortly after a death, falsely claiming to represent a funeral home and requesting advance payments for services or insurance-related expenses.
The funeral home stressed that these contacts are fraudulent and do not reflect its business practices. Officials said scammers often monitor public obituary listings to identify potential targets, then attempt to create urgency during an emotionally vulnerable time.
Families are urged to never provide payment information in response to unsolicited phone calls, text messages or emails. Any request for payment should always be verified by contacting the funeral home directly using a trusted phone number.
Smith-Reagan Funeral Home emphasized that it does not solicit payments in this manner and encouraged anyone who receives a suspicious message or call to pause and verify before taking action.
Community members who believe they may have been contacted by a scammer are advised to report the incident and to warn other family members who may also be at risk.
Scammers frequently target individuals during times of grief and stress, making awareness and verification critical in preventing financial loss.
For questions or concerns, families are encouraged to contact Smith-Reagan Funeral Home directly.