How to Avoid Cremation Scams
Cremations are big business. While it is personal and emotionally taxing among the families of the deceased, dying is a profitable business for those who are in the industry. Sadly, there are still cruel people in this world who deceive the families of the departed. That’s why it pays for everyone to know the right information. This way, they can be as far away from funeral and cremation scams as possible.
Considering emotions are running high during this trying time, it’s best to know what is a legitimate cremation business and what it’s not. In a story posted by Scam Busters, some families encountered cremation scammers. “There was one story of a person who was cremated in Florida who was scattered in their three favorite places,” said Mike Nicodemus. “When the family got to the third and final location, a vacation spot in Maine, they found a set of dentures at the bottom of the ashes. Only the deceased had never worn dentures.”
“In a second case, a family scattered remains in several far-flung locations, only to discover afterwards the ID tag on the container didn’t match the paperwork from the funeral home.”
Today, we are going to let you in on tips to avoid cremation scams and experience a thorough, legitimate and far less stressful process of laying your loved one to rest.
- Ask the right questions
First and foremost, you must learn how to ask the right questions when faced with a crematorium. It’s important to be as involved as possible. Learn everything you can and fact-check the information that’s being shared with you. Otherwise, you may be in for more stressful situations. If you find it difficult to take this on, you can ask someone for support.
Some of the best questions to ask are:
- Can the cremation be witnessed by a family member or designated individual?
- What is the average time between receiving the deceased and the completion of the cremation?
- Do they have refrigeration facilities for use prior to cremation?
- How are the cremated remains returned if an urn is not provided prior to cremation? What is the policy regarding holding of the cremated remains after the cremation is completed?
- Know the price
Cremation scammers won’t only disrespect the process. They will also do everything they can to jack up the prices for their illegal business. That’s why it’s good to have an idea as to how much you are projected to pay.
According to Canadian Funerals: “As a very general guide a cremation is likely to cost a quarter of the cost of a burial. A simple, direct cremation in Canada can start at around $600, whereas a cremation with a service, and extra disbursements (obit notice, viewing, funeral flowers, etc), may cost in the region of $4,500. As mentioned above, cremation service costs will vary depending upon your province and area. For example a low cost cremation can be obtained in some areas of Quebec for as little $587, in Vancouver for $995 and in Toronto for $1,400, whereas in New Brunswick a simple cremation can cost almost $3,000.”
- Don’t fall for the pressure
A lot of those who are involved in cremation scams like to toy with people’s emotions, especially now that they know you are vulnerable. When the funeral director starts to pressure you to sign in on the dotted line, don’t cave in right away.
Those who are in this business legitimately have respect to the grieving. They let families to move at their own pace and give them plenty of options that help ease the burden. So be steadfast, logical and ask for as much support from your loved ones as you can before making a decision.
- Check the company’s background
One of the most critical things you must do is to check on the crematorium’s records and background. If they are operating legally, they should be enlisted or certified with a local business bureau. Moreover, they will be more than happy to share with you information that will certify their legitimacy. You will also see reviews or testimonials about them online or in print.
Take the time to do a thorough background check. This will not only save you time, money and effort. It will also save you from the stress that you will experience otherwise.
- Have more than one option
It is also advisable that you have a short list of crematorium options to choose from. This way, you can compare which ones are operating properly and which ones do not. Moreover, this will give you a better idea as to where the better investment is and which company is more than willing to adjust and give choices to help ease your pain.
We highly recommend going through the selection process with a friend or family member. This doubles your protection and prevents problems in the future.
