Sheriff Warns of Obituary Scam Targeting Families in Georgia

Authorities in Fannin County, Georgia, are alerting the public to a disturbing new scam that preys on grieving families. According to a statement released by the Clay County Sheriff's Office on Facebook, citing the Fannin County Sheriff’s Office, scammers are exploiting obituary notices to target the loved ones of recently deceased individuals.

The scam, which emerged on Wednesday, March 5, involves an unknown individual posing as a representative of a funeral home. The caller contacts family members of the deceased, claiming that payment for funeral services is overdue and demanding immediate compensation. In at least one reported case, a family was deceived into making a partial payment—half of the requested amount—before realizing they had been scammed.

The scam highlights a growing trend of criminals using publicly available information, such as obituaries, to exploit unsuspecting individuals. Families mourning the loss of a loved one are encouraged to spread the word about this deceptive tactic and report any suspicious calls to local law enforcement immediately.

For those who may have already been contacted or made payments in response to such a call, the Fannin County Sheriff’s Office advises reaching out to the funeral home involved and filing a report with authorities to assist in tracking down the perpetrators.

As this scam surfaces in Georgia, officials are reminding the public to stay cautious and verify any unexpected financial demands, especially during times of grief.

Further updates may follow as the investigation continues.