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uk Death, bereavement & serious family crises

What to do if…
your online memorial page is being targeted by trolls or scammers

Produced and maintained by PanicStation.org Published: Last reviewed: Editorial policy UK guide

Short answer

Secure the account that controls the page, pause or restrict posting, and remove or hide harmful content before replying to anyone. Do not argue publicly with strangers on the memorial page.

Do not do these things

  • Don’t argue publicly with strangers on the page; it can draw more attention and make moderation harder.
  • Don’t post extra personal details to correct people, such as addresses, family phone numbers, or funeral times and locations.
  • Don’t click links in comments or direct messages, especially donation, fundraiser, or “support” links.
  • Don’t add a new admin or moderator unless you already trust them and can verify who they are.
  • Don’t keep reading upsetting posts after you have saved what is needed for reporting.
  • Don’t send money, bank details, login codes, or identity documents to anyone who contacts the page.

What to do now

  1. Create a brief buffer. Take one minute if you can. Message one trusted person: “Please don’t reply to anyone. Please screenshot the most serious posts while I lock the page down.”

  2. Secure the account that controls the memorial page.

    • Change the password to a new, unique password.
    • Turn on two-factor authentication if it is available.
    • Check login or security activity.
    • Sign out unknown devices or sessions if the platform gives that option.
    • Check that the email account linked to the page is also secure.

  3. Put the page into temporary lockdown. Use the strongest settings the platform offers, such as:

    • admin approval before posts appear;
    • only admins can post;
    • comments limited to approved people;
    • keyword or profanity filters;
    • temporary comment or posting pause.

  4. Remove, hide, and report the highest-risk content first.

    • Start with threats, private addresses or phone numbers, hate content, sexual content, impersonation, scam links, and donation requests.
    • Use the platform’s report tool where possible, not just delete, so the platform has a record.
    • Block or restrict repeat accounts.
    • Do not reply to provoke, correct, or shame them.

  5. Keep a small record of serious content, then stop looking.

    • Screenshot the content, username, profile link if visible, and date or time.
    • Copy the direct link to the post or comment into a note.
    • Save threatening private messages without replying.
    • Once the key items are saved, step away or ask your trusted person to continue.

  6. Use memorial or legacy-contact tools if the platform offers them. Look for settings or help pages about memorialised accounts, legacy contacts, tribute posts, page roles, comment controls, and post approval. Use these tools only after the account is secure.

  7. Report outside the platform if the content is threatening, targeted, or fraudulent.

    • If someone is in immediate danger, a crime is happening now, or a threat feels urgent, call 999.
    • For non-emergency harassment or threats, call 101 or use Police.uk or your local police force’s online reporting route.
    • For fake charity, donation, fundraiser, impersonation, or cyber crime concerns, use Report Fraud, or Police Scotland if you are in Scotland.
    • If anyone has paid money or shared bank details, contact their bank straight away.

  8. Post one short boundary note only if it helps. For example: “This memorial page is moderated. Abusive, false, or promotional content will be removed and reported.” Then stop engaging.

What can wait

  • You don’t need to decide today whether the page should stay public, become private, or close.
  • You don’t need to answer rumours, accusations, or baiting comments.
  • You don’t need to identify every stranger right now.
  • You don’t need to sort older photos, tributes, or family disagreements until the page is stable.
  • You don’t need to manage this alone if a trusted person can help with screenshots or moderation.

Important reassurance

Memorial pages can attract trolls, scammers, opportunists, or people looking for attention. Locking the page down is a protective step, not an overreaction, especially while you are grieving.

Scope note

These are first steps to reduce harm, protect private details, and regain control of the page. Later decisions about reporting, platform escalation, privacy, family disagreement, or legal options may need specialist help.

Important note

This guide is general information only. It is not legal, financial, therapeutic, technical, or other professional advice.

Additional Resources

Closely connected guides that may be useful during the same situation or its immediate aftermath.

About this guide

This guide was produced and is maintained by PanicStation.org using its published editorial process. Official and specialist sources are checked where relevant, and AI-assisted tools may be used for drafting, organisation, and consistency checks. The site operator remains responsible for publication, revision, and removal decisions.

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