What Are Funeral and Cemetery Scams?

Funeral and cemetery scams exploit grieving families by overcharging for services, selling unnecessary products, or failing to deliver promised goods or services. These scams can add significant financial strain during an already difficult time.

How Do They Work?

Scammers typically:

• Overcharge for burial plots, caskets, or other services.
• Sell unnecessary services or products to grieving families.
• Fail to deliver promised goods or services after payment.
• Use high-pressure sales tactics to exploit emotional vulnerability.

Examples of Funeral and Cemetery Scams

Funeral and cemetery scams exploit grieving families, often taking advantage of emotional vulnerability during an already difficult time. Below are common examples of how these scams operate:

• Nonexistent or Double-Sold Burial Plots: Scammers may sell a "discounted" burial plot that turns out to be nonexistent or already owned by someone else. The victim is left with no choice but to pay for another plot or accept a less desirable one.
• Overcharging for Services or Products: Funeral homes or cemeteries may overcharge for burial plots, caskets, or other services, taking advantage of the emotional distress of the family to charge far above market value.
• Unnecessary Products or Services: Scammers may convince grieving families to purchase unnecessary items, such as high-priced embalming services or premium caskets, that are not needed for the funeral.
• Failure to Deliver Services or Goods: After payment is made, scammers may fail to deliver promised goods or services, such as flowers, headstones, or cremation services.
• High-Pressure Sales Tactics: Funeral providers may use aggressive sales tactics to pressure families into making decisions quickly, often taking advantage of their emotional vulnerability and sense of urgency.

How to Avoid Funeral and Cemetery Scams

• Research and compare prices from multiple providers.
• Understand your rights under the Funeral Rule enforced by the FTC.
• Be cautious of high-pressure sales tactics or unsolicited offers.
• Verify the legitimacy of the provider before making payments.

Category

Elderly-Targeted Scam