Anyone who has lost someone and is grieving is not only emotionally challenged, but also organizationally. It is an exceptional situation in which you are vulnerable - and unfortunately there are people who take advantage of this. Criminals specifically target grieving families in order to defraud them of money and personal data.
This article is not intended to scare you, but to give you the knowledge you need. We will show you how to recognize scams, how to protect yourself and your family effectively and where you can find professional help in an emergency.
The scams of fraudsters: Why bereaved people are targeted
Fraudsters act in a calculated way. They know that grief, stress and exhaustion weaken judgment and make people more susceptible to manipulation. This is exactly where their tactics come in. The figures are alarming: in 2024 alone, the Swiss authorities registered 34,392 cases of fraud, 80% of which used digital methods.
- The exceptional emotional situation: people in mourning don't have their heads free to suspiciously check bills and calls. Fraudsters specifically exploit this stress. A study by Pro Senectute shows that older people in particular are often the target of attempted fraud, which further exacerbates the situation in the event of a death.
- Public information as a source: An obituary is an important part of saying goodbye. However, it can reveal names, addresses and relationships that criminals can misuse for their own purposes.
- The financial incentive: With annual inheritances of around 100 billion francs, Switzerland is an attractive target for fraudsters hoping to take a share of the estate.
Fake invoices sent to the bereavement address
This is one of the most perfidious methods. Fraudsters systematically search obituaries for "bereavement addresses". Shortly afterwards, they send fake invoices for alleged services or debts of the deceased - from invented tradesmen's costs to unpaid subscriptions and alleged club fees. They speculate that, in their grief, the relatives will pay the bill from the estate without checking it. Such actions fall under the criminal offense of fraud according to Art. 146 StGB.
Digital fraud and identity theft
Criminals use digitalization for their own purposes. They call as alleged employees of the funeral home or an authority and demand immediate payments under pressure. Another danger is identity theft: using data from the death notice (full name, date of birth), criminals conclude contracts online or order goods in the name of the deceased or the bereaved.
Good to know: Since September 1, 2023, the misuse of another person's identity has been explicitly punishable in Switzerland under Art. 179decies StGB.
Usury with funeral services
The overwhelming majority of funeral directors work seriously and sensitively. Nevertheless, there are black sheep who exploit the plight of mourners. A prominent case from 2020-2021 showed how unscrupulously this is done. Kevin Huguenin, known at the time as "Switzerland's youngest funeral director", was accused of luring families with unclear "all-inclusive packages" and later charging horrendous additional fees. In some cases, he even refused to release the deceased until the inflated bills had been paid. Such exploitation of an emergency situation can constitute usury(Art. 157 StGB). If you are unsure, always get a second opinion and ask for a detailed cost estimate. You can find out more about the usual costs in our article"What does a funeral cost?".
Warning signs: How to recognize a fraud attempt
Fraudsters often follow a similar pattern. Watch out for these typical warning signs:
- Time pressure and threats: You are put under pressure to act or pay immediately ("If you don't transfer money immediately, ...").
- Emotional manipulation: The caller or sender is trying to make you feel sorry, afraid or guilty.
- Unusual payment methods: You are asked to transfer money abroad or pay bills with gift cards (e.g. from iTunes or Google Play) or cryptocurrencies.
- Unsolicited contact: You receive calls or mail out of the blue about alleged debts or an inheritance.
- Vague information: The invoice or email doesn't detail the service, doesn't include a customer number or has an unclear sender.
Trust your instincts. Many scam victims later report that they had a bad feeling from the start. As Richard Hess from the Swiss Bankers Association points out, most cases of fraud don't happen because systems fail, but because people are manipulated. If something seems strange to you, it probably is.
Your protective shield: concrete steps for prevention
You can actively help to minimize the risk to your family. The most important measures relate to dealing with information and finances.
The most important thing first: Design the obituary securely
Your obituary is an important sign of remembrance. By making small adjustments, you can significantly increase security. Do not include details in the public announcement that could be misused for identity theft:
- The exact date of birth (the year alone is often sufficient)
- The full maiden name of the deceased
- The exact place of birth
- Protect the mourning address: This is the most important lever against fake bills. Instead of your private address, give the address of the commissioned funeral home. Funeral directors are trained to recognize suspicious mail and will intercept it for you.
Dealing with invoices and claims
- Never pay immediately: Do not allow yourself to be put under pressure. Take your time to check every unexpected claim.
- Check independently: Always contact the alleged sender via an official, self-traced telephone number or website - never use the contact details on the suspicious invoice.
- Four-eyes principle: Always discuss unexpected or high demands with a second person from your family or circle of friends.
Checklist: Immediate financial measures
Act quickly to secure the deceased's finances and prevent abuse. Pro Senectute also offers a good overview of protection against financial abuse.
- Inform banks and the post office: Notify all financial institutions of the death immediately to block accounts and check powers of attorney.
- Block credit cards: Inform the credit card companies to deactivate the deceased's cards.
- Contact credit bureaus: Report the death to credit reference agencies (e.g. ZEK, CRIF) to prevent fraudsters from taking out new loans in the deceased's name.
You can find a detailed overview of further administrative steps in our death checklist.
What to do if it has happened? Help and contact points
If you or a relative have been the victim of fraud, it is important to act quickly and correctly.
Step 1: Don't be ashamed! Anyone can become a victim. It is not a question of intelligence or naivety, but a sign of the professionalism of the perpetrators. Talk about it.
Step 2: Press charges. Contact your local cantonal police station immediately. In urgent cases, call 117. You can also report some crimes online via Suisse ePolice.
Step 3: Report cybercrime. You should always report fraudulent e-mails, text messages or websites to the National Cyber Security Center (NCSC). This will help protect others.
Step 4: Get support.
You are not alone. Victim Support Switzerland offers free and confidential support for victims of crime in all cantons. The service includes advice as well as legal, financial and practical help - regardless of whether you have reported the crime.
Conclusion: knowledge protects
At a time when you need all your strength to cope with your grief, you should not have to fear scammers. Knowledge is the best protection. You can significantly reduce the risk by knowing the common scams and, above all, by being careful when designing your obituary and securing your finances.
Be vigilant, but not overly anxious. Check carefully who you entrust with what information. And remember: you don't have to go through this difficult time alone. Don't hesitate to take advantage of the professional and free help available in Switzerland.