Identity Theft and Online Fraud
What about charity scams after a death?
Short answer
Obituaries that request memorial donations to a charity attract fake charity solicitors. Before donating, verify any charity at Charity Navigator (charitynavigator.org) or the California Attorney General's Registry of Charitable Trusts (oag.ca.gov/charities). Legitimate charities do not pressure for immediate donations.
What this usually means
Obituaries that request memorial donations to a charity attract fake charity solicitors. Before donating, verify any charity at Charity Navigator (charitynavigator.org) or the California Attorney General's Registry of Charitable Trusts (oag.ca.gov/charities). Legitimate charities do not pressure for immediate donations.
What to do next
- Start the PathAfter checklist for situation-aware first steps.
- Find California county phone numbers for coroner, vital records, and local offices.
- Open the First 72 Hours Call Log before making calls.
- Open the Documents to Find Checklist when you are ready for paperwork.