Consumer Protection: Important Consumer Protection Points to Remember

Regarding Funeral Directors

* When purchasing services from a funeral director, your investment is protected pre-death or even post-death.
* Funeral directors trust at 100%, and refund at least 90% of all monies paid in advance.
* Funeral directors condemn using aggressive, high-pressure direct mail telemarketing schemes.
* Funeral directors have been actively working with the Michigan Attorney General’s Office to get the word out on unscrupulous sellers of pre-need funeral and cemetery goods and services.

Regarding Cemeterians and Other Non-Funeral Directors

* Non-funeral directors do not need to be licensed in Michigan, making them less accountable to the consumer.
* Consumers are putting their investment at risk when using a non-funeral director for services.
* What non-funeral directors are required to do by law is simply less than what funeral directors are required to do.
* Non-funeral directors may trust less than 50%, depending on the type of service or goods required.
* As has been reported, non-funeral directors are responsible for targeting the elderly with aggressive, high-pressure direct mail and telemarketing schemes.
* Beware of cemeterians and other sellers who use words like trust, trust funds, or savings accounts.

Regarding MFDA

* MFDA is fully dedicated to protecting consumers, and have diligently worked with local and state governmental agencies to protect consumers from fraudulent schemes.
* MFDA is dedicated to increasing public understanding on important issues in the profession, and representing the needs of approximately 85% of the state’s funeral homes.
* MFDA understands that it is sometimes necessary for families to make funeral arrangements in advance.
* MFDA was founded in 1880, and is the nation’s first funeral director’s membership organization.
Regarding Pre-planning and Preneed Funeral Purchases
* Pre-planning may be the right thing for you and your family, but it must be informed planning.
* Customers need to make sure they know exactly what they’re paying for.
* Consumers should ask the seller if the pre-need contract is guaranteed, refundable, and transferable.
* Consumers should always ask for a contract in writing.
* Consumers need to understand the difference between guaranteed and non-guaranteed contracts.