Tips on Reporting Obituary Spam
Generative AI has revolutionized many aspects of our lives, but unfortunately, it has also made spamming obituaries easier than ever.
For funeral homes across the country, combating obituary spam has become a daily challenge that demands proactive action.
What can funeral professionals do in the face of this persistent threat?
Tribute Technology CEO Charlie Cole offered a straightforward solution in a recent webinar about obituary spam: "Start reporting as much as humanly possible. If enough people report a website for scamming, it’ll cause Google to pay attention."
Here are some actionable steps you can take to combat obituary spam:
- Report Spam to Google: Use Google's dedicated tool for reporting spam at this link: Report Spam. By flagging suspicious websites, you contribute to the effort to clean up search results and protect users from scams.
- Report Obituary Scams to the FTC: If you encounter obituary scams or instances of identity theft involving deceased individuals, report them to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ReportFraud.ftc.gov or call 877-382-4357.
- Notify the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3): In cases where obituary spam involves online fraud or criminal activity, such as identity theft, it's crucial to alert the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center. You can file a complaint through their website: IC3 Complaint.
If obituary spam escalates to involve malicious intent, collaboration with law enforcement agencies may be necessary to thoroughly investigate and prosecute offenders.
It's essential to recognize that combating obituary spam requires a collective effort from online platforms, obituary hosts, and community members.
Together, let's work toward preserving the sanctity of online obituary pages as sacred spaces for remembrance, reflection, and respect.
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