How Scammers Target Grieving Families: A Story You Need to Hear

After the devastating loss of a loved one, one of our insureds received a call no one should have to deal with. The caller claimed to be from a life insurance company and insisted they needed her Social Security number to process her relative's policy. Grieving and overwhelmed, she almost handed over her information - but something didn’t feel right. Thankfully, she hung up and reached out to us for advice.

This was a phishing scam, a heartless tactic used by criminals to steal personal information from grieving families when they’re most vulnerable. Unfortunately, it’s becoming more common, and we want to help you avoid it.

Here’s how these scams operate:

Scammers call pretending to be from a life insurance company or legal office. They sound professional and caring to gain trust.

They claim they need personal information - such as your Social Security number, bank account details, or date of birth - to process a life insurance benefit or other legal documents.

They use urgency to push you into making a quick decision, saying the payout will be delayed if you don’t act immediately.

Once they have your information, they can commit identity theft, empty your bank account, or cause other financial harm.

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Because scams like this are so prevalent, we do something unique to protect our customers:

We encourage you to let us note your life insurance policy information on file, even if it’s not with us.

Why? So that if anything happens, we can help direct your loved ones to the right place - and protect them from falling victim to scammers. Families often don’t know where to turn after losing someone, and that confusion is exactly what scams prey on. By keeping a record of your policy, we can ensure your loved ones can safely access the benefits they’re entitled to receive.

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Protect Yourself and Your Family

To avoid falling victim to these scams, follow these simple rules:

1. Hang up: Legitimate companies will never ask for sensitive information like Social Security numbers or bank details over the phone.

2. Verify directly: Contact the insurance company using a number from their official website or paperwork, not the one provided by the caller.

3. Take your time: Don’t let anyone rush you. Scammers thrive on urgency.

4. Report it: If you suspect a scam, report it to law enforcement or the Federal Trade Commission.

Stay safe, stay informed, and always trust your instincts.