Consumer Alert
Funeral home now has to post prices online
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When families need to plan a funeral or cremation service, especially in an unfamiliar place, they often search online for a local provider. Now, thanks to a court order in an FTC case, people who work with one seller of cremations will find its prices online and know where it’s located.
You might have read about the FTC’s case against Legacy Cremation Services and others last April. If you didn’t, here’s the story: the FTC said in a lawsuit that the company used online ads to make it look like they performed cremations when they didn’t; made it look like they were local when they weren’t; and gave grieving people lowball quotes by phone —when the real price was much higher.
Now, among other things, a court order says that Legacy and its owner have to post price information on their websites. When it comes to location, Legacy has to give clear information about its (actual) locations — as well as the names, locations, and contact information for the local funeral homes they connect people with. (Info they didn’t so much share before.)
It’s never easy making funeral arrangements. To get help thinking through the steps, and knowing what funeral homes are required to do, check out Shopping for Funeral Services by Phone or Online — which, let’s face it, is how many of us shop for everything now. And remember: if one funeral home won’t answer your questions or give you the information you asked for, look somewhere else. And then tell the FTC: ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
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I think this is a good thing. At the time of a loved ones death, it is difficult time and we dont think as sharp as usual. I will look at this information before I need to.
That is good news!
Nice
I bought a cremation for me and my husband, we are still alive, I am glad thank you FTC for giving us protection
Does this mean that ALL funeral homes and mortuaries must abide by this ruling? This industry has been praying on people for many, many years.
In reply to Does this mean that ALL… by Ken Lyman
The court’s order in this case applies to Legacy Funeral Services, LLC, Funeral and Cremation Group of North America, LLC, and their owner. But the FTC’s Funeral Rule applies more broadly to funeral providers who sell or offer to sell funeral goods and funeral services, as those terms are defined in the Rule. Read more about the Funeral Rule at www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/ftc-funeral-rule.
Good information you post daily! Thanks.
I just started setting everything up for myself. This is good information. Thanks
All funeral homes should have to do this. They should not be allowed to go behind your back and start the probate on an estate either and get themselves appointed the personal representative.
I read about the suit involving The Cremation Society. I suspect this is might somewhat related. I am grateful for all you do and especially about shopping on line for funeral/cremation services.
Thank you.Good info. Keep up the good work.
Federal Trade Commission,
I think this is an excellent idea as I struggled to find te right place to arrange my Son's Funeral back in Janurary, 21, 2023 when he was murdered by being shot mulifple times so "YOU" all are rigth, "I was in complete shock and so not knowing what it was going to cost me, "I struggled with this so, thank you for making them post their pricies!"
All funeral homes should be mandated to post prices, and you should be able to view all prices by internet.
Thank you!
This is a win for all grieving families. I was the victim of overpricing from a funeral home that I had used previously. They kept the trusted name but are owned by a different company. Many problems with this company.
Thank you so much for telling me about the funeral rip off--and for all the helpful information you provide.
Thank you for your hard work and added protection for us during this difficult life experience.
This is very helpful information. I wish I'd had it a couple of years ago, but glad to have it now. I've helped others, but when I had to make arrangements for my loved one who died suddenly, the stress and emotional strain was overwhelming and I paid more than intended. Plus I felt pressured by the funeral home. It won't happen again! Thanks for sharing this info!
Thisis a good thing. I recently had to bury a loved one, and the funeral homes that posted pricing, it was helpful in making an informed decision, especially for pre-planning.
Be mindful of funeral homes that offer a package deal, not detailing the cost & quality of each provision. It reduces family stress load but with hidden increased fees especially if a policy is involved. Get funeral cost before acknowledging a policy.
They still haven't posted the costs. I don't think they are going to. Their site was last updated pretty much the same day it was created (all blog posts are from the same day in 2016). Please keep a watch on this.
In reply to They still haven't posted… by Lorna S
When my mom passed in 2011, thank goodness I had seen some info online stating that funeral homes had to give you separate prices for services. It helps to know your rights. Because of that, I insisted and after asking 3 times they finally gave me separate costs. We didn't need or want a large funeral package since my mom had been in a home and only family would be doing a graveside service.
Absolutely Wonderful!