Funeral scams

Funeral and cemetery scams, a heartbreaking type of fraud, prey on grieving families. Scammers, understanding the emotional difficulty of the situation, exploit the vulnerability of loved ones, using deceptive practices to profit from funeral and burial arrangements. Funeral scams can include overcharging for services, selling unnecessary products, or even demanding payments for nonexistent cemetery plots or burial services.

How do the scammers operate?

One common scam is when dishonest funeral providers inflate prices for caskets, vaults, or embalming services, pressuring families into making expensive purchases they don’t need. Another involves fraudulent claims by individuals posing as debt collectors, claiming the deceased owed money, and insisting on immediate payment.

Scammers might also sell fake burial insurance or cemetery plots that don’t exist. In addition, scammers can also learn important personal information from obituaries, so be careful what and when you publish.

To spot and avoid funeral and cemetery scams, families should:

• Obtain a written, itemized price list for all services and products, as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) requires.
• Research funeral homes and cemeteries before committing to services and compare prices.
• Be cautious of high-pressure sales tactics or providers who discourage comparison shopping.
• Verify any claims of outstanding debts with proper documentation.
• Look for pre-planning options with reputable providers and ensure that any contracts are clear about what services are included.

Staying informed and exercising caution are key in protecting families from these scams during an already difficult time. This vigilance ensures that their loved ones’ final arrangements are handled with respect and integrity, making them more aware of potential threats.

Hurley Elder Care Law offers a FREE downloadable “What To Do When a Loved One Dies” checklist and often assists families with probate. We have four convenient office locations in Atlanta, Duluth, Peachtree City, and Woodstock. Our intake specialists are happy to answer your elder law and probate questions. Call us today at 404-843-0121.