AI scammers are scouring obituaries to target widows — one lost $7,000 after being told her late husband evaded taxes

Scammers are using artificial intelligence to scour obituaries for potential victims, targeting widows and other recently bereaved individuals. In one egregious example, fraudsters claimed to have helped the deceased evade taxes and demanded $7,000 to preserve the inheritance. By the time the family realized the scam, it was too late.

AI enables scammers to quickly identify victims, craft convincing scripts, and generate deepfake media to make their schemes more believable. The FBI reports that older Americans lost $7.7 billion to internet and cyber-enabled crimes in 2025, a 59% increase from 2024. Recently widowed adults are particularly vulnerable as they navigate financial and administrative tasks in the aftermath of a loved one's death.

Red flags include high-pressure sales tactics, requests for personal information, and urgent demands to act immediately. Victims should verify the caller's identity, avoid sharing sensitive data, and contact financial institutions if they suspect fraud. Families should educate themselves on common scam tactics and monitor for potential threats after a family member passes away.