Funeral scams: New low in online deception

DUBLIN, Ireland - In the latest internet rip-off scandal, con artists are trying to charge people for watching funeral ceremonies online.

The most recent Internet rip-off controversy involves attempting to bill victims for seeing funeral ceremonies on the Internet.

They are using death announcements to target particular requiem masses and ceremonies. Then, they post fictitious notices on social media accounts to charge mourners for watching.

Gardai warned the public, confirming that they are aware of similar messages on social media and advising them to exercise utmost caution when disclosing bank account information.

"We are aware of such posts circulating on social media," the Gardai said. An Garda Siochana advised the public not to interact with these posts.

"Anyone interested in watching a funeral service live should contact the parish or diocese directly." Anyone should contact their local Garda station if they think they have fallen victim to fraud.

When con artists purposefully targeted a recent young woman's funeral, and attendees were required to pay to see the funeral in real-time, there was a great deal of anger in County Cavan. The matter was discussed last week during the Cavan County Council's monthly meeting.

Council members were shocked to see that con artists had hacked the death notice and posted it on social media as a link, inviting mourners to click to watch the funeral liturgy.

Upon clicking the link, users were prompted to pay for the service. According to Cllr Shane P. O'Reilly, an undertaker himself, the act was the lowest of the low.

He cautioned: "When people know the person who has died, they are very likely to click on these links and then be scammed in the process." This is a troubling occurrence and extremely dishonest behavior. I discussed what happened with the Gardai."