Scams targeting the loved ones of people who have passed away are on the rise.

Katia Rapota, whose best friend passed away, says accounts are sending out friend requests claiming to have links to view funerals.

“Within a couple of days, I had a notification – I had a friend request from her full name with funeral after it, and I clicked on it, and they had used pictures from her facebook account,” she told Jacqui Felgate.

Press PLAY to hear how the scam works

Chief executive officer of the Australian Funeral Directors Association, Dale Gilson, says he’s seeing more of the scams.

“We’re constantly communicating to them [the loved ones], letting them know what’s happening, how prevalent it is, to take action,” he said.

He also says no funeral director will request money for funeral live streams.

“If you have any doubts about it, contact your funeral director … it’s not a case you’ll accidentally come across it, they will identify you as a family or friend,” he added.

Press PLAY to hear his message to families and friends

Image: iStock.