How to Spot Casket Scams
Casket scams are one of the most common scams in the funeral industry. Familiarize yourself with the federal government's Funeral Rule and read and apply the following tips to spare yourself the undue stress of being taken advantage of during an already stressful time.
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Instructions
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Note a funeral director's behavior while discussing casket choices. If a funeral director immediately tries to show you showroom models of caskets before providing you with a list of caskets detailing attributes and prices, he is probably attempting to persuade you into buying one of his most expensive models.
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Request to see caskets even if they do not appear on showroom floors. Funeral caskets with lower or mid-ranged prices are often located in places that are not immediately visible to consumers. These caskets are usually located in rooms other than the main showroom or in basements.
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Ask about inexpensive models that are readily available at the funeral home. A funeral director may be attempting to scam you if he tells you that there are no other casket options instead of promptly providing you with a catalog.
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Turn down casket gaskets. One of the most common scams in the funeral industry is the supposed "luxury" rubber gasket addition. These rubber gaskets are sold to consumers for hundreds of dollars under the selling point that they will protect the decedent's casket and body from water leakage. In reality, the rubber gaskets cost about $20 and can increase the deterioration of the casket.
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Know your rights. Funeral homes are required to allow you to purchase and use a casket from a third party source without charging any additional fees. Funeral directors are also required to provide you with price lists of caskets over the phone if you request the information.
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Refer to the federal government's Funeral Rule to learn about more ways to protect yourself from casket scams.
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Tips & Warnings
Don't be discouraged by inexpensive caskets that come in unappealing colors. Funeral directors who attempt to persuade consumers into buying more expensive models might paint cheaper caskets in ugly colors to discourage purchase. Other casket colors should be readily available with a phone call.
Report suspected casket scams to the National Casket Retailers Association.
Don't be persuaded to buy a casket for a direct cremation. Caskets are not required for direct cremations. Funeral directors must inform you in writing that you have the right to purchase an unfinished wood box for direct cremations; they must also make these readily available to you.
