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

AI scammers are exploiting obituaries to target widows, stealing $7,000 from a victim who was told her late husband had avoided taxes, according to USA Today. Fraudsters scour obituaries for personal information, making it easier to craft convincing scams. In one instance, fraudsters used AI to identify a widowed woman as a target, claiming they had helped her late husband evade taxes and demanding payment.

The victim's family only realized the scam when it was too late. Older Americans, particularly widows, are increasingly targeted by scammers who take advantage of their grief and administrative responsibilities. According to the FBI, internet or cyber-enabled crimes resulting in losses of $7.7 billion were reported by Americans aged 60 and older in 2025, a 59% increase from 2024.

Scammers often use information from obituaries to create believable fake stories and exploit their victims. To protect against such scams, families should be vigilant for red flags, especially regarding calls requesting personal information. If a scam occurs, immediately contact the relevant financial institutions and retain all related documentation. Additionally, filing complaints with the appropriate authorities is essential.