A federal rule requiring funeral homes to display prices wasn’t meant for the internet. Now regulators are considering an update that would require homes to reveal their prices online.
Federal Trade Commission Chairman Lina M. Khan said: It pointed out about the proposed changes. The rule’s purpose is to “prevent consumers from being taken advantage of,” she said, adding that “funeral providers are not required to list prices on their websites.”
The Commission is considering rule changes as it was reached by the Department of Justice on behalf of the FTC. settlement Earlier this month, a company called Legacy Cremation Services was accused of using “bait and switch” tactics to trick families into overpaying for online cremation services. As part of legal action, the government is requiring the company to post accurate details about its rates and services on its website.
Last year, the government sued Legacy Cremation Services and affiliates, as well as its owner, Anthony Joseph Damiano.Civil Complaint They claimed that they were pretending to be a local cremator rather than a broker who arranged services hours away from the buyer.
The settlement, which was filed in federal district court in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., imposed a fine of $257,000 and required disclosure from Damiano and his company. important details On the website, including pricing and service locations.
Samuel Levine, director of the Commission’s Consumer Protection Division, said in a statement, “Lying to consumers about important information such as prices and location of services when they have lost a loved one is legal. illegal outside the FTC funeral rulesassures consumers of the right to access pricing and other information regarding funeral services.
In a statement emailed to him by his attorney, Damiano said Legacy “does not intend to mislead” its customers and intends to “restructure its website to fully comply” with the terms of the settlement. “Legacy sees the agreement with the Federal Trade Commission as a way to rebuild relationships with clients in a way that better serves grieving families,” he said.
Funeral regulations, which came into force in 1984, require funeral homes to provide written price lists to in-person visitors and to share prices by telephone upon request. However, the law prohibits the display of prices on the web and communication by e-mail or text. Lois C. Greisman, FTC’s associate her director of marketing her practice, said:
Consumer advocacy groups, including the Funeral Consumers Alliance, see: online price It is becoming increasingly important as people may find themselves buying services while mourning the death of a family member who lives far away.
Fair Trade Commission reported last fall Less than a quarter of the funeral home websites provided full price lists, while most provided “little or no” pricing information. (Commission staff viewed about 200 websites in 2021, when many people were unable to visit funeral homes because of the pandemic.) At least one state in California has announced that funeral homes will be online. We are obliged to post the price. 2019 review According to the Funeral Consumers Alliance, it has found that many avoid doing so due to legal loopholes.
Committee in October review the rules, with a view to updating it to reflect current technology. This includes whether funeral providers are required to provide prices online or by email. Comments were received from over 700 people or institutions. Many people voted in favor of online pricing disclosure. The National Association of Funeral Directors, representing approximately 11,000 funeral homes, Voluntary disclosure of the price.
If the commission amends the rules, the association said it recommends that online pricing requirements apply only to funeral homes with existing websites. No need to, the association said.
It’s unclear when or if the commission will change the rules. But FTC chairman Khan has shown support for a “modernization” of the rules.
She said in October, “In the internet age, it’s hard to understand why you have to physically visit or call multiple funeral homes just to compare prices. Sharing to , she said, encourages competition and “reduces the cost of putting loved ones on vacation.”
Here are some questions and answers when asking for information about funerals.
How much does a typical funeral cost?
According to 2021 data, the median cost of a funeral, including visitation and burial, is about $7,800. National Association of Funeral DirectorsVaults (coffin containers often needed in cemeteries) add about $1,600. The median cost of cremation, including viewing, is about $7,000. The association includes embalming costs in both burial and cremation costs, but it is rarely required by law. Funeral Consumers Alliance.
Can I seek reimbursement for funeral expenses for family members who have died from Covid-19?
yes. The Federal Emergency Management Agency will continue to provide up to $9,000 per funeral for families who have lost members to Covid-19. September 30, 2025said agency spokesman Jeremy M.
Please call 844-684-6333 for more information.
What should I do if I believe a funeral home has violated disclosure rules?
You can file a complaint with the FTC. website.
