Date: 8/11/2023

Fraud Alert: Obituary Scammers Warning

Dear patrons of Clarke’s Funeral Home

 We have become aware of a nationwide scam targeting families that have recently experienced the loss of a loved one. In this scam, individuals pretending to be representatives of a funeral home or cemetery contact the deceased's family and may request, or even demand, some form of payment before services can proceed, or may request other personal information about the decedent. The scammers also use spoofing software that enable their phone number to appear to be that of the funeral home or cemetery. If you receive a call from an individual claiming to be a funeral home or cemetery employee who is attempting to gather financial and/or personal information, please consider the following:

• Refuse payment and NEVER disclose credit/debit card numbers, banking information, social security numbers or a date of birth.

• Let them know that you will follow-up directly with the funeral home or cemetery, end the call, and then call the funeral home or cemetery using a number you know to be legitimate.

• Feel free to end the call without explanation if it appears suspicious or to be a scam.

We regret that we must make you aware of such a scam, but feel that by sharing this issue, you will be more prepared should you be contacted.

Respectfully,

Clarke’s Funeral Home