PA Funeral Directors Association Assists Consumers to Guard against Fraud; Toll Free Help Line Provides Consumer Information.

HARRISBURG, Pa. -- The Pennsylvania Funeral Directors Association (PFDA) is making a toll free help line available to consumers to assist them with problems concerning fraudulent casket sales, unlicensed cremation facilities and other concerns. The PFDA's consumer help line was established in response to the growing number of consumers who are contacting the Association and member funeral homes seeking assistance. Consumers can call the toll free number 800-692-6068 or write to PFDA at 7441 Allentown Boulevard, Harrisburg, PA 17112 to get information or file a complaint.

"Both the Association and our member funeral homes have seen a big increase in calls from consumers who have run into problems with unlicensed facilities or have been defrauded by unscrupulous merchandise resellers," explained Kathleen Ryan, General Counsel for PFDA. "Several troublesome situations have exacerbated the need for a help line to protect Pennsylvania's consumers. Families, who've just had a death in the family, are contacting us because the casket they purchased from a reseller hasn't been delivered. Some call because they are concerned about monies they've paid to cremation societies. We encourage people to call or write to PFDA with their concerns and complaints."

PFDA filed suit in August against the Cremation Society of Pennsylvania, the Veterans Cremation Society and Dale A. Auer, owner of the two companies. In its suit, PFDA is seeking a permanent injunction against the unlicensed companies and the return of all monies paid by consumers. In addition, PFDA has been working closely with State Attorney General, Jerry Pappert, in the suit against Celestial Burial Case and its President, Joseph M. Stabile. Based on consumer complaints from seven counties and ten states, Pappert's suit accuses Celestial Burial of failing to deliver caskets ordered by consumers and deceptive advertising.

"We strongly urge consumers to work with a licensed funeral director, when they are making pre-arrangements or purchasing caskets or other funeral merchandise," said John W. Eirkson, PFDA Executive Director. "All licensed funeral directors must observe strict professional guidelines established by the state of Pennsylvania. These guidelines help protect the consumer and insure that 100% of the funeral funds are safely set aside in a trust. We encourage consumers to investigate who they are dealing with beforehand and fully understand the contracts they are entering."

The Pennsylvania Funeral Directors Association exists to inform and educate the funeral director, the public and government about the value of funeral service and licensed funeral directors on a pre-need, at need and post-need basis. In addition, PFDA promotes thorough understanding between the funeral profession, allied industries and occupations and the public whom they are called upon to serve. Organized in 1881, PFDA is the largest state funeral directors association in the nation, and a member of the National Funeral Directors Association.