Greg's Corner

Scammers Prey on Grieving Tulsa Family

By Greg Collier

Losing a loved one is one of life’s most painful experiences, and in the midst of that grief, the last thing a family expects is to become the target of a cruel scam. But for one Tulsa family, that is exactly what happened. While struggling to cover the costs of a funeral, they were deceived by a scammer who preyed on their vulnerability, using publicly available obituary information to pose as an insurance representative.

The ordeal began when a caller claimed that a long-lost insurance policy had been discovered in the name of a deceased relative. The promise of a financial payout seemed like an unexpected blessing, offering relief during an already difficult time. However, the supposed payout came with a catch. Before the family could receive their funds, they needed to cover a ‘deductible’ fee. Desperate for the financial support they were assured was coming, they scraped together what they could, even pawning personal belongings to meet the scammer’s demands.

Almost immediately after sending the money, doubt crept in. The caller’s tone changed, and communication became rushed and evasive. It became clear they had been tricked, and instead of receiving the large sum of money they were promised, they were left with nothing but financial loss and heartbreak.

This tragic deception is not an isolated case. Scammers routinely comb through online obituaries, extracting personal details to manipulate grieving families. With names, relationships, and other sensitive information readily available, these fraudsters craft convincing stories to exploit those already facing emotional turmoil.

Consumer advocates warn that this type of scam is on the rise, and they urge people to be cautious when receiving unexpected financial promises. If someone claims that a loved one has left behind money, experts advise verifying the legitimacy of the claim by independently contacting the alleged agency or company. Most importantly, they stress one key rule. If you are asked to send money in order to receive money, it is almost certainly a scam.

For this Tulsa family, the pain of their loss has been compounded by the betrayal of a stranger who took advantage of their grief. But by sharing their experience, they hope to prevent others from falling victim to the same cruel scheme.

As funeral homes and consumer protection agencies work to raise awareness, the message is clear. Always verify before you trust, and never let desperation override caution. In moments of vulnerability, scammers see opportunity, but with knowledge and caution, families can protect themselves from further loss.