Funeral Home and Cremation Fraud
What is a prepaid funeral plan and is it safe?
Short answer
A contract paying in advance for funeral services. In California, prepaid funeral funds must be held in a trust account separate from the funeral home's operating funds — this is state law. Get a receipt and keep it in a safe place…
What this usually means
A contract paying in advance for funeral services. In California, prepaid funeral funds must be held in a trust account separate from the funeral home's operating funds — this is state law. Get a receipt and keep it in a safe place. If the funeral home goes out of business, the California Cemetery and Funeral Bureau can help recover funds. Get the contract in writing and review it carefully before signing.
What to do next
- Start the PathAfter checklist for situation-aware first steps.
- Find California county phone numbers for coroner, vital records, and local offices.
- Open the First 72 Hours Call Log before making calls.
- Open the Documents to Find Checklist when you are ready for paperwork.