Trading Standards is warning Wokingham residents that criminals are impersonating grieving families online and charging mourners to attend funerals that should be free.
Fraudsters are using public funeral notices to create fake Facebook profiles, posing as family members or friends of the deceased.
They then contact mourners with bogus links to funeral live streams, or set up fake donation pages.
These scams are not only deceitful but dangerous, with victims often handing over personal information and money.
You should:
-
never be charged to attend a funeral, whether in person or via a live stream.
-
only donate through verified sources – check with the named funeral director if unsure.
-
never share personal or banking information in response to unsolicited messages.
-
be cautious of friend requests or messages from unfamiliar profiles, even if they appear to be mutual friends.
-
contact your bank immediately if you’ve shared your banking details.
If you or someone you know has been affected, you can contact the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133.
