Avoid this costly mistake: How one woman lost $3,500 during a heartbreaking time—and the subtle sign she missed
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Losing a loved one is one of life’s most difficult experiences.
During this emotionally overwhelming time, the last thing anyone should have to worry about is being deceived.
Yet, scammers often take advantage of people when they are most vulnerable.
This was the heartbreaking reality for Paty Bilbo from Mableton, Georgia, whose devastating loss was compounded by a financial scam that drained her of $3,500.
Her story is a stark reminder of why staying vigilant—even in moments of grief—is crucial.
Paty Bilbo was in the middle of making funeral arrangements for her mother when she received what seemed like a routine call.
The person on the other end claimed to be from Hightower Funeral Home—the same place she had just visited.
They requested a down payment for services, something that, while not entirely unusual, should have raised suspicion given the circumstances.
Overcome with grief, Bilbo hesitated when the caller insisted she send the money through PayPal.
She even suggested making the payment in person, but the scammer was persistent, reassuring her that handling it over the phone was more convenient.
Trusting the caller, Bilbo sent $1,500. Soon after, the scammer claimed the payment had failed and urged her to send more.
By the time she realized something was wrong, she had sent a total of $3,500—money that was fraudulently taken from her account.
Sadly, Bilbo’s case is not an isolated incident. Scott Jacobsen, another Georgia resident, lost $9,000 in a similar scheme while planning his mother’s funeral.
These scams often involve criminals posing as funeral home employees, pressuring grieving families into making immediate payments.
They use urgency and emotional manipulation to catch their victims off guard.
While no one expects to be targeted during a difficult time, staying cautious can help prevent falling victim to these cruel schemes. Here’s what you can do:
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) warns against these types of scams, urging people to verify any payment requests and avoid using hard-to-trace methods like wire transfers or gift cards.
If you or someone you know has been scammed, there may be options for recourse. Some payment platforms, like PayPal and Venmo, may offer reimbursement for fraudulent transactions, especially if marked as business payments.
Reporting fraud as soon as possible increases the chances of recovering lost funds.
Read next: Another life lost from this popular drink served in healthcare facilities–Everything you need to know
Here at The GrayVine, we stand with those affected by these heartless scams. Have you or someone you know been targeted in a similar way? What do you think should be done to avoid these scams? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below.
During this emotionally overwhelming time, the last thing anyone should have to worry about is being deceived.
Yet, scammers often take advantage of people when they are most vulnerable.
This was the heartbreaking reality for Paty Bilbo from Mableton, Georgia, whose devastating loss was compounded by a financial scam that drained her of $3,500.
Her story is a stark reminder of why staying vigilant—even in moments of grief—is crucial.
Patty Bilbo shares her heartbreaking experience of losing $3,500 to a funeral scam during a difficult time. Image Source: YouTube / WSB-TV.
The Cruel Deception
Paty Bilbo was in the middle of making funeral arrangements for her mother when she received what seemed like a routine call.
The person on the other end claimed to be from Hightower Funeral Home—the same place she had just visited.
They requested a down payment for services, something that, while not entirely unusual, should have raised suspicion given the circumstances.
Overcome with grief, Bilbo hesitated when the caller insisted she send the money through PayPal.
She even suggested making the payment in person, but the scammer was persistent, reassuring her that handling it over the phone was more convenient.
Trusting the caller, Bilbo sent $1,500. Soon after, the scammer claimed the payment had failed and urged her to send more.
By the time she realized something was wrong, she had sent a total of $3,500—money that was fraudulently taken from her account.
Also read: Warning: The Latest Scam Texts You Need to Delete Immediately
A Pattern of Predation
Sadly, Bilbo’s case is not an isolated incident. Scott Jacobsen, another Georgia resident, lost $9,000 in a similar scheme while planning his mother’s funeral.
These scams often involve criminals posing as funeral home employees, pressuring grieving families into making immediate payments.
They use urgency and emotional manipulation to catch their victims off guard.
PayPal—one of the payment methods scammers exploited to deceive grieving families. Image Source: Unsplash / Marques Thomas.
Also read: This "IRS $1,400 rebate" text could be a trap—here’s how to spot and avoid the latest scam!
Protecting Yourself and Your Loved Ones
While no one expects to be targeted during a difficult time, staying cautious can help prevent falling victim to these cruel schemes. Here’s what you can do:
- Verify the Source – Always contact the funeral home directly using a verified phone number. Never rely on caller ID or numbers provided by the caller.
- Resist Pressure – Scammers create a sense of urgency to push you into acting fast. Take your time, and consult with family members before making any payments.
- Recognize Payment Red Flags – Be wary of requests for payment via wire transfer, cryptocurrency, gift cards, or any method that seems unusual for funeral services.
- Monitor Transactions – Keep an eye on your bank and PayPal activity. If you spot unauthorized charges, report them immediately.
- Stay Informed – Scammers constantly adapt their tactics. Educating yourself and others about common scams can help prevent more people from being targeted.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) warns against these types of scams, urging people to verify any payment requests and avoid using hard-to-trace methods like wire transfers or gift cards.
If you or someone you know has been scammed, there may be options for recourse. Some payment platforms, like PayPal and Venmo, may offer reimbursement for fraudulent transactions, especially if marked as business payments.
Reporting fraud as soon as possible increases the chances of recovering lost funds.
Read next: Another life lost from this popular drink served in healthcare facilities–Everything you need to know
Here at The GrayVine, we stand with those affected by these heartless scams. Have you or someone you know been targeted in a similar way? What do you think should be done to avoid these scams? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below.
