Scammers have reached a new low by exploiting grieving individuals through a despicable online scam. This scam involves the use of artificial intelligence to create fake obituary websites, preying on vulnerable victims who are still mourning the loss of a loved one. The scammers target compassionate individuals who are willing to assist grieving families, making it crucial to stay vigilant and protect oneself and loved ones from falling victim to such deceitful practices.
These heartless scammers utilize a malicious scheme known as the ‘bereavement scam’, which involves creating fake obituaries using AI technology hosted on legitimate funeral or memorial sites. By optimizing these pages with SEO tactics, the scammers ensure their fake pages rank first when individuals search for a specific person’s obituary. When unsuspecting victims click on the link, they are redirected to e-dating or adult entertainment sites, or subjected to pop-up ads and web push notifications that can potentially lead to malware installation.
The scammers profit from this scam in two ways: through affiliate reward programs from software downloads that victims are tricked into believing they need, and through revenue from ads on the fake obituary pages. While this scam does not currently infect devices with malware, there is a possibility that it could evolve in that direction in the future, as highlighted by the Secureworks Counter Threat Unit.
To protect oneself from falling for an obituary scam, it is important to question the legitimacy of obituary pages by considering one’s connection to the deceased, being cautious of fake websites, verifying if the person has actually passed away, and watching out for suspicious signs such as overly descriptive language and an impersonal tone in obituaries. By staying informed and cautious, individuals can safeguard themselves against falling victim to exploitative scams during times of vulnerability.
In conclusion, scammers often target emotionally vulnerable individuals to carry out their deceptive schemes. Whether it’s an obituary scam or a phone scam, it is crucial to maintain awareness and skepticism when faced with suspicious links or communications. By taking a moment to assess the situation and exercising caution online, individuals can protect themselves from falling prey to such exploitative tactics.