FOR YOUR INFORMATION.............................AUGUST 19, 1992
After a loved one dies, decisions about the funeral arrange-
ments, such as which casket to purchase or what type of ceremony
to have, may be tougher to make under the strain of grief. To
help consumers make the choices right for them, the Federal Trade
Commission has issued a new brochure called, "Caskets and Burial
Vaults."
The brochure explains the difference between caskets and
vaults, some of their protective claims and underscores the
requirements of the FTC's Funeral Rule. It also lists names of
funeral groups to contact concerning state laws and further
information.
The Funeral Rule, among other things, prohibits funeral
providers from saying that caskets or vaults will keep out water,
dirt and other gravesite substances if such a claim would be
false. It also prohibits claims that certain funeral items can
indefinitely preserve a body in the grave. Such claims are
untrue, the FTC says. Additionally, the rule requires funeral
providers to itemize prices in a list and provide consumers with
these price lists and give price information over the phone.
The brochure also guides consumers through the funeral pre-
planning process by suggesting a checklist of questions to ask
funeral directors. For example: Are you buying only the casket
and vault, or are you purchasing the funeral services also? Are
you protected if the firm with which you are doing business goes
out of business? Can you get back any money you have already
paid if you should change your mind about the pre-planned funeral
and decide to cancel the contract?
For a free copy of "Caskets and Burial Vaults," write the
FTC's Public Reference Branch, 6th Street and Pennsylvania
Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20580; 202-326-2222; TTY 202-326-
2502.
- more -
(Caskets--08/19/92)
MEDIA CONTACT: John Leslie III, Office of Public Affairs
202-326-2178
STAFF CONTACT: Colleen Tressler, Office of Consumer and Business
Education, 202-326-2368
(Caskets)