Data thieves scour obituaries for opportunities to commit fraud - Mourning advertisement scammers clandestinely monitor for opportunities to deceive
In the heart of Germany, the city of Frankfurt am Main has become a hotspot for a concerning trend. The State Criminal Police Office in Hesse has announced that the city is currently dealing with a variety of fraud cases, many of which involve the exploitation of mourning families during funerals.
One of the key sources of information for these criminals is obituaries. Details about relatives, addresses, or dates in obituaries could be misused for various fraudulent purposes, such as shock calls, fake invoices, and even burglaries.
The police have recorded cases of identity theft of the deceased, with criminals obtaining information about the deceased and their relatives from obituaries. This alarming trend has led to cases of burglaries during funerals, a despicable act that preys upon the grief of families during their most vulnerable moments.
Dirk Hintermeier, a prevention expert at the LKA, has emphasized the importance of limiting information in obituaries. He advises families to be mindful of the details they share, as this information could potentially be used by criminals.
The Hesse police have also reported cases of fraud involving obituaries, underscoring the need for vigilance in such situations. Currently, police reports do not provide detailed data on the frequency patterns of victims in such cases, making it challenging to identify specific trends or patterns of victims from obituary fraud in Frankfurt am Main.
Despite these challenges, the police in Frankfurt am Main are committed to investigating and combating these fraud schemes. As families navigate the difficult process of grieving and planning funerals, it is essential to remain vigilant and protect personal information to avoid falling victim to these despicable acts.
