Why you must manage your deceased loved one’s accounts.

Social Media Fraud Related To The Accounts Of The Deceased

It is unfortunate, but fraud related to the social media accounts of the deceased is very real. It has become such a growing phenomenon; the FBI has warned about it.

Unfortunately, the social media accounts of the deceased are particularly vulnerable to scams. There is even a term for it. “Ghost Fraud.” Simply put, a hacker might try to assume the identity of the deceased. If successful, this hacker could wreak significant havoc financially or to one’s reputation.  

A hacked account could be used for many illegal or unwanted purposes, such as requesting financial aid, promoting unsavory websites, or suggesting “friends” visit site links that are designed to hack private information that could be sold.

Facebook, for instance, often makes “friend” suggestions or announces birthdays or other special annual events such as wedding anniversaries. We have heard stories that Facebook has suggested friend connections for some who passed away even years before. Some individuals receive multiple notices related to deceased friends and business acquaintances year after year. This is especially true for older individuals.

It’s not Facebook’s fault that this occurs. They have no way of knowing if someone has passed away unless a family member informs them.

The current reality is that grieving family members have many priorities related to the passing of a family member. The deceased’s online footprint is likely way down the priority list, but it shouldn’t be. There is way too much at stake to let it go unmanaged.