5 Common Scams That Prey on Grief and How to Stay Protected
I never imagined I’d be writing this as a widow myself. Losing my husband has been the most painful, disorienting experience of my life. The quiet moments are the hardest—his empty seat at the table, the silence where laughter used to be, his shoes where he left them at the front door.
And yet, even in the midst of all this heartache, I’ve seen something that made me feel not just sad, but angry: the way scammers actively target women who are grieving.
What many people don’t realize is that con artists scan obituaries. They look for recent widows—like me, like many of my clients—and they use that information to strike when you’re vulnerable. They pretend to be funeral home staff, creditors, old friends, or even romantic interests. They know you’re in pain, and they exploit that.
As someone who has worked with widows for years—and now, as someone walking that same road—I want to help you stay protected. Below are five of the most common scams I’ve seen target widows. I’ll share them here not to scare you, but to empower you. Because knowledge is a form of armor—and you deserve to feel safe as you rebuild your life.
Let’s walk through these stories together.
- The Bereavement Scam
“You don’t owe what you didn’t sign for.”
After the funeral, many widows receive calls from people posing as bill collectors or even representatives of the funeral home. They may say your husband left an unpaid bill, and that it needs to be settled right away to avoid legal trouble or embarrassment.
Imagine this: You’re exhausted, and someone says there’s a $487 balance from the hospital that was “overlooked.” You feel anxious. You don’t want to cause a delay or seem irresponsible, so you pay it. But here’s the truth: unless you signed for the debt, you are not legally responsible. This is manipulation, plain and simple.
How to stay safe:
Pause before paying any unexpected bill. Call the institution directly. And always feel free to call someone you trust—like us—to help you sort it out.
- The Romance Scam
“If he’s asking for money, he’s not your person.”
Grief can be profoundly lonely. Widows often find comfort in online friendships—sometimes through social media, dating apps, or faith-based groups. But romance scammers are masters of emotional manipulation. They shower you with attention, build trust, and then spin a story: they’re overseas, or stuck in customs, or have a sick child—and they need your help.
Let’s say: A widow named Diane starts chatting with “Steve,” a widower and retired engineer. He’s charming. He says he understands her pain. Within weeks, he’s saying he wants to visit—but his bank account is frozen. Can she just send $2,000? He promises to pay her back.
How to stay safe:
Never send money to someone you haven’t met in person—especially if they’re asking for gift cards, crypto, or wire transfers. These scammers are good at what they do, but if something feels off, it probably is. Don’t be afraid to ask for a second opinion.
- The Life Insurance or Pension Impersonator
“Real companies don’t ask for your personal info over the phone.”
You might get a call from someone saying there’s a benefit owed to you—but they need to verify some information first. They’ll ask for your Social Security number, your late spouse’s date of birth, or even your bank account for a “direct deposit.”
Picture this: Mary receives a call from someone claiming to be with her husband’s pension provider. They sound professional. They say she just needs to confirm a few things to release the funds. Flustered and hopeful, she gives the info. A week later, her bank account is drained.
How to stay safe:
No legitimate financial institution will ask for sensitive information over the phone without prior verification. If in doubt, hang up and call the official number listed on their website or on your paperwork. Let’s verify it together if something seems fishy.
- The Home Repair Scam
“Grief is not an invitation for pressure sales.”
Some scammers are local. They drive through neighborhoods, spot older homes, and knock on doors—especially if they know a woman now lives alone. They’ll say the roof is damaged, the foundation is shifting, or the water heater is a safety hazard.
Imagine: A widow named Teresa is told by a contractor that her home is “dangerous” and that her husband “would have wanted this taken care of.” He asks for a $4,000 deposit and disappears the next day.
How to stay safe:
No pressure decisions. Ever. You always have time to get a second opinion. Never pay in full up front. We have a list of trusted professionals we can connect you with—people who will treat you with respect, not scare tactics. Want a home repair referral? Call me. I’ll make sure you speak to someone reputable.
- The Fake Inheritance or Investment Scam
“If you have to send money to receive money, it’s a scam.”
This one often comes in the form of a letter or official-looking email. It might say you’re the beneficiary of a life insurance policy, a forgotten inheritance, or an investment payout. But first—you need to pay taxes or processing fees.
Let’s say: Linda receives a letter claiming she’s owed $75,000 from an overseas account her husband had—but she needs to wire $1,200 to release the funds. It’s tempting. But it’s a trick. Once she sends the money, they vanish.
How to stay safe:
No legitimate inheritance or payout requires you to pay fees before you receive your money. If you ever get a notice like this, send it to us. We’ll review it together before you do a thing.
Final Thoughts: You’re Not Alone
Widowhood is hard enough without having to worry about financial predators. But here’s the truth: being cautious isn’t being paranoid. It’s being strong. It’s protecting the legacy you and your husband built.
If something feels off—call us. If a letter shows up that confuses you—send it our way. If someone says they need your information—let’s double-check it first. You are not alone, and you do not have to figure this all out by yourself.
We’re here to walk beside you, protect you, and help you make the sound, confident decisions your future deserves.
This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, tax, or legal advice.
