Good Planning Can Foil Funeral Scams

There are more than 5,000 funerals and burials in the United States each day, and the majority of grieving families are assisted by capable and compassionate funeral industry professionals. Those that are not so lucky probably were misinformed or ill-prepared for the decisions involved in burying a loved one.

To avoid falling victim to funeral or cemetery fraud, the Better Business Bureau and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, offer the following tips:

• Be an informed consumer. Take time to call and shop around before making a purchase. Funeral homes are required to provide detailed price lists over the phone or in writing. Product mark-ups can be significant. Ask if lower priced items are included on the price list.

• Check out the funeral service. Contact the BBB for a report on the funeral home. Check whether the funeral services director or embalmer is licensed.

• The low-down on caskets. Sellers who claim to have a product or service that will preserve human remains over the long term are misleading you. Funeral providers can not determine how long a casket will preserve a body, so keep that in mind when deciding whether to purchase the more expensive “sealed” or “protective” casket. Also, a casket is not legally required for a direct cremation.

• Research funeral home service fees when shopping for products elsewhere. The Federal Trade Commission’s Web site at www.ftc.gov has information on charges that are prohibitive.

• Embalming is not always required. You are not required to have embalming if you choose direct cremation or immediate burial.

• Resist high-priced sales pitches from funeral industry vendors. They should treat you with compassion; not pressure you.

• Consult a friend or family member. It might be a good idea to take along a friend or relative when you visit the funeral home. Someone who is not as emotionally invested as you are can assist with difficult decisions.

• Require all proposed plans and purchases to be put in writing. Compare the posted prices and any oral promises with those listed in the contract. The contract should itemize all prices and specify any future costs. Check the contract for any restrictions.

• Carefully read contracts and purchasing agreements before signing. Ask if the agreements you sign can be voided, taken back or transferred to other funeral homes.

• Prepaying for a funeral has advantages, as well as risks. If you choose to prepay, make a well-informed decision, carefully research your options and know your rights. You can always make plans in advance, without prepaying. Be sure to share your specific wishes with those close to you.

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