The Lagan Valley MP has tabled an Early Day Motion (EDM) at Westminster, noting the increased number of such scams and calling on the UK Government to work with law enforcement and online platforms to crack down on the practice.

Recent examples have included Facebook accounts with a fake donation page for one of the Southport stabbing victims, while a family were targeted in Ms Eastwood’s own constituency earlier this year with a similar scam following a death.

She said the need for decisive intervention has never been clearer.

"It is sickening scammers are targeting grieving families during their darkest hours,” said Ms Eastwood.

“We’ve seen a rise in these cruel scams and Northern Ireland has been especially affected, with several families recently being targeted. I’ve even been targeted myself on social media. This causes emotional distress and potentially financial harm to victims. I’ve even been targeted myself via Facebook but thankfully spotted it early.

“This EDM calls on the Government to work with law enforcement agencies, online platforms, and the funeral sector to introduce stricter measures to detect and prevent these fraudulent schemes. The Government must act now to protect families and ensure those responsible for these horrendous scams are held to account. Grieving families should be focused on mourning their loved ones, not on fighting off scammers trying to exploit their loss.”

ENDS//

Note to editors:

Wording of the EDM -

https://edm.parliament.uk/early-day-motion/62603

That this House notes with concern the increasing number of online scams exploiting vulnerable families during bereavement, including fraudulent links and fake funeral notices; further notes the recent police warnings regarding scammers profiting from tragic events, as evidenced by the exploitation of Southport stabbing victim's funeral and scams targeting funeral homes in Northern Ireland; recognises the emotional and financial damage caused by such deceptive practices; and calls on the Government to work with law enforcement, online platforms, and the funeral sector to introduce stricter measures to detect, prevent, and shut down these malicious online scams and to ensure greater public awareness on how to identify fraudulent activity.