Columbus County Sheriff’s Office warns of recent scam

COLUMBUS COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — The Columbus County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents of a scam targeting grieving families.

They say scammers are calling relatives of recently deceased individuals and pretending to be from the funeral home.

Scammers are often using details from the obituaries to sound legitimate. They’re also using spoof phone numbers and demanding immediate payment.

In order to protect yourself, deputies are urging you to hang up the call and contact the funeral home directly. Never pay over the phone without confirming the request.

Also, alert neighbors and friends about the funeral home impersonation scam calls to keep others safe.