Show #386 Airing Sunday 5/6/07
When a loved one dies, we hope their soul will rest in peace. But there are some nasty scams that attempt to deprive us of even that final wish. Here to reveal the latest requiem rip-offs is my law partner, Jennifer Peck.
Question: Unethical funeral homes can turn a family's loss into an even more painful experience?
Answer: Sadly, that's correct. The funeral industry is a $14 billion a year business. And it's in a unique position to take advantage of customers because most consumers don't shop around, there's limited competition, and it's a very emotional time, which makes consumers more susceptible to scams.
Question: You've made a list of the top three funeral scams. First is: The overpriced casket scam.
Answer: Right. Caskets are usually the most expensive item, typically $1500 to $10,000, and sometimes much more. Don't let yourself get pushed into a casket that's more expensive than you want or need. And a recent investigation in Connecticut revealed that lots of funeral homes were selling high priced sealed caskets implying that the remains would be protected indefinitely. Federal law prohibits funeral homes from representing that any casket will delay the natural decomposition of a human body for a long-term period, because it won't work.
Question: Second: The "mandatory embalming" scam.
Answer: Embalming can be costly. It may be needed when the body is being shown. Yet in many cases, people are pushed into paying when it really won't provide any benefits. If a funeral director tells you embalming is required by law, ask to see a copy of the law.
Question: Third: "The Failure to get what you paid for" scam.
Answer: Let me tell you a true story. A woman prepaid for her funeral. She picked out a very nice casket and her favorite flowers, and she even bought a dress and shoes to be buried in and gave them to the funeral home.
When she died, there were no flowers, no elegant casket, and no fine dress. In fact, the family discovered she had been buried in a hospital gown, put into a body bag, and placed in a Styrofoam box.
The scam is that some funeral homes don't provide what's been paid for years earlier. Before prepaying, find out how they'll assure that you'll get what you paid for. For example, ask what happens if they merge or you move. Get their promises in writing, as part of the contract, and make sure your spouse, kids and other loved ones know what to expect by giving them copies.
When we marry, we say, "till death do us part." But you don't want death to cause you to part with your money in a scam. Follow Jennifer's tips to protect yourself and your loved ones.
