Scam targets grieving families in Houston County, coroner warns

“It is truly tragic that grieving families have to face these scams on top of the loss of a loved one,” Williams said. “Let’s all stay alert and help protect each other.”

HOUSTON COUNTY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Houston County officials are warning residents about a scam targeting grieving families.

Houston County Coroner James Williams said scammers are calling families who have recently lost a loved one, posing as funeral home staff and demanding payment over the phone to continue services.

In the most recent case, reported Wednesday afternoon, a caller claimed to be the funeral director of the home a family had just left, demanding $2,000. The scammer even used the name of the director the family had met with earlier.

Williams shared the following safety reminders for families:

• Funeral homes do not call and demand payment over the phone during the arrangement process.

• Never give your credit card or personal information over the phone to someone you do not know.

• If you receive a suspicious call like this, hang up immediately and report it to local law enforcement.

“It is truly tragic that grieving families have to face these scams on top of the loss of a loved one,” Williams said. “Let’s all stay alert and help protect each other.”