Funeral Home and Cremation Fraud
What if the ashes I received don't seem right?
Short answer
Cremation fraud — returning ashes that are not the correct person — does occur, though it is rare. California law requires that cremated remains be identified throughout the process. If you have serious concerns, file a complaint with the Cemetery and Funeral…
What this usually means
Cremation fraud — returning ashes that are not the correct person — does occur, though it is rare. California law requires that cremated remains be identified throughout the process. If you have serious concerns, file a complaint with the Cemetery and Funeral Bureau, which has authority to investigate licensed crematoriums. DNA identification of cremated remains is technically possible but expensive.
What to do next
- Start the PathAfter checklist for situation-aware first steps.
- Find California county help for coroner contacts, vital records, cost tools, and paperwork.
- Open the First 72 Hours Call Log before making calls.
- Open the Documents to Find Checklist when you are ready for paperwork.