Staying Safe Online: Beware of Fake Obituaries

Staying Safe Online: Beware of Fake Obituaries

Malicious actors continuously adapt their tactics and will even use fake obituaries to lure unsuspecting users into compromising their digital security, which can be particularly concerning when a community is suffering from a loss. Recently there have been a series of scams where bad actors post a fake obituary on a site to entice people who are in bereavement from clicking on bad links in the site.

The Threat

Scammers are creating fake obituaries, often using AI to generate convincing content. These fraudulent posts exploit emotions and curiosity, especially following high-profile deaths or during times of community loss. The fake obituaries may appear in manipulated search results, leading users to malicious websites.

How It Works

1. Scammers monitor search trends for increased interest in obituaries.
2. They quickly create fake obituary websites or social media posts.
3. Using SEO techniques, they boost their fake sites in search rankings.
4. Visitors to these sites may encounter:
• Redirects to inappropriate content
• CAPTCHA challenges that install pop-up ads or push notifications
• False virus alert warnings
• Deceptive ads or notifications

Protecting Yourself

To stay safe online:

1. Verify sources before clicking obituary links.
2. Be cautious of requests for immediate action.
3. Check for secure website connections (https).
4. Report suspicious activity to platform moderators and IT security.
5. And remember to protect your accounts:


• Use strong, unique passwords.
• Enable two-factor authentication where possible.
• Limit personal information shared online.

Remember, during times of loss, it's natural to seek information. By staying vigilant, we can protect our community from those who would exploit our vulnerable moments.