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us 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 USA guide

Short answer

Secure the account first. Use the strongest posting, comment, and approval controls the platform provides, then report and remove the most harmful content before engaging with anyone.

Do not do these things

  • Do not reply publicly to trolls or post more personal details to correct them.
  • Do not click donation links, support links, or shortened URLs posted by strangers.
  • Do not accept new administrator or moderator requests from people you do not fully trust.
  • Do not keep rereading upsetting posts once you have saved the small amount of information you may need.
  • Do not pay or share account details with unsolicited contacts claiming they can recover money or fix the page.

What to do now

  1. Ask one trusted person to help screen the memorial page. Send a short message such as: “Please do not reply to anyone. Please flag the worst posts while I change the page controls.”
  2. Secure the account that controls the page.
    • Change the password to a new, strong password that you do not use for another account.
    • Sign out on all devices if the platform provides that option.
    • Turn on two-factor authentication if available. It may also be called two-step verification or multi-factor authentication.
    • Check that the recovery email address and phone number are still correct if the platform shows them.
  3. Tighten the page controls using the options the platform provides.
    • Require approval before new posts or tributes appear, if available.
    • Limit who can comment or post, if available.
    • Turn on keyword or profanity filters, if available.
    • Temporarily pause comments or new posts if the platform allows it and the unwanted content is continuing.
  4. Work through the most serious content first.
    • Use the platform’s report option, where available, for threats, exposed personal information, hateful or sexual content, impersonation, scam links, fake fundraisers, and payment requests.
    • Remove or hide the content after reporting it when possible.
    • Block repeat posters if the platform provides that option.
  5. Save a minimal record of serious posts, then stop reviewing them.
    • Take screenshots that show the post, username, date, and time where visible.
    • Save the page address or post address where available.
    • Save threatening direct messages without replying.
  6. Use memorial or legacy-contact tools if the platform provides them. These tools may offer controls for tributes or memorialized profiles. Use the platform’s own help center rather than instructions sent by a stranger.
  7. Use the appropriate reporting route if the content goes beyond unwanted posts.
    • If anyone is in immediate danger, call 911.
    • For non-emergency threats or harassment, consider contacting your local police department through its non-emergency route.
    • For a fake fundraiser, report it to the fundraising platform first, then use the FTC’s ReportFraud site.
    • For cyber-enabled scams or impersonation, use IC3. Type ic3.gov directly into your browser address bar and avoid sponsored search results. IC3 will not ask for payment to recover lost funds or refer you to a company requesting payment for recovery.
  8. Post one short boundary note only if it will reduce confusion. For example: “This memorial page is moderated. Abusive, false, or promotional posts will be removed and reported.” Do not argue with replies.

What can wait

  • You do not need to decide today whether to make the page private, close it, or publish a detailed statement.
  • You do not need to personally answer accusations, rumors, or demands for information.
  • You do not need to work out who the posters really are.
  • You can postpone reviewing older posts and photos until the page is stable.

Important reassurance

Managing a memorial page while grieving is already a heavy task. Unwanted posts are not your fault, and it is reasonable to tighten the controls and step away from upsetting material once the urgent moderation is done.

Scope note

These are first steps to reduce harm and regain control. If threats, impersonation, harassment, or scams continue, later decisions may need support from the platform, a specialist service, or law enforcement, depending on what is happening.

Important note

This guide provides general information only. It is not legal, medical, financial, therapeutic, or other professional advice. If anyone is in immediate danger, call 911.

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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