Funeral Scams in the UK: How to Spot and Avoid Them

Planning a funeral is one of the hardest and most emotional things a family can go through. On top of grief, many people are shocked by how expensive funerals can be. Sadly, this has led to a rise in funeral scams across the UK. Unscrupulous businesses and individuals take advantage of vulnerable families at their most emotional moment by overcharging or offering services that don’t exist. Knowing how to spot these scams and protect yourself is really important.

In this guide, we explain some of the most common funeral scams in the UK, share warning signs to look out for, and offer practical advice to help you avoid being ripped off. Our goal is to give you confidence and peace of mind when saying goodbye to a loved one.

Why Are Funeral Scams Increasing?

The average cost of a funeral in the UK is now over £4,200 according to recent surveys. This has steadily gone up over the years, putting funerals out of reach for many families. At the same time, the funeral industry can be confusing and overwhelming if you don’t know much about it.

Funeral scammers exploit the combination of high costs, emotional stress, and lack of knowledge. Some target grieving families directly, while others pose as legitimate funeral directors or funeral plan providers. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has introduced regulations to ensure fair treatment, but scams still happen.

Common Funeral Scams in the UK

Here are some scams families are likely to face:

1. Overcharging for Basic Funeral Services

One of the most common complaints is funeral directors charging far more than usual for basic services. This can include:

Inflated fees for transport, staff, or embalming
Pushing expensive extras like fancy coffins or flowers
Charging for items or services that were not agreed on

Some funeral homes keep pricing unclear or give misleading quotes. They might use confusing language or add last-minute fees that cause the final bill to be much higher.

2. Fake or Unregulated Funeral Plans

Funeral plans let people pay in advance for their funeral costs, locking in current prices and reducing stress for relatives. Unfortunately, some companies offering funeral plans are unregulated or even fraudulent. They might:

Take payments but never provide the plan or service later
Pressure vulnerable older adults to sign up
Fail to invest the money properly, so the plan won’t cover everything

It’s important to know that all legitimate funeral plans in the UK are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). This means they must follow strict rules to protect your money and ensure services are delivered as promised. If a company can’t provide an FCA registration number, they are not a legitimate provider and should be avoided.

Always check the FCA register to confirm any funeral plan provider is authorised.

3. Scams Involving Funeral Livestreams

In recent years, funeral livestreaming has become more common, especially for families wanting to include distant relatives who can’t attend in person. Unfortunately, scammers have spotted an opportunity here.

Some fraudsters create fake livestream links for funerals and then demand payment or personal information to access them. These scams prey on grieving families who are desperate to share the farewell with loved ones.

The National Association of Funeral Directors (NAFD) stresses that funeral livestreams should always be free of charge. If you receive a link asking for money or personal details, be very cautious — it might be a scam.

To protect yourself:

Always verify livestream links directly with the funeral director organising the service
Avoid clicking on unsolicited links from unknown sources
Never pay to access a funeral livestream
Report any suspicious links or requests to the authorities immediately

4. Pressurised Selling and Misleading Information

Some companies use high-pressure tactics to rush families into decisions before they can shop around or understand their options. This can include:

Saying prices will rise soon unless you book straight away
Suggesting that cheap funerals are disrespectful or low quality
Giving false or incomplete information about what is included

Warning Signs of Funeral Scams

Look out for these red flags:

No Clear Pricing: Funeral directors must provide a detailed written price list if asked. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) requires all UK funeral directors to have a standardised price list, displayed clearly on their website or in their shop. If they won’t show prices or are vague, be suspicious.
Pressure to Sign Quickly: Anyone pushing you to make a quick decision or sign contracts fast is a warning.
Unregistered Funeral Plans: Check the FCA register before buying a funeral plan.
No Real Contact Details: Legitimate funeral directors have a proper business address, phone number, and website with reviews.
No Itemised Costs: You should get a clear bill showing exactly what you’re paying for. Hidden fees are a bad sign.
Pushy Salespeople: Funeral arrangements should never be rushed or sold under pressure.
Cash Payments Only: Use payment methods that leave a paper trail. Avoid paying large sums in cash.
Offers That Seem Too Good to Be True: Free or very cheap funerals may come with hidden costs or poor service.

How to Protect Yourself from Funeral Scams

Here are some tips to keep in mind:

Research and Compare: Get quotes from at least three funeral directors and ask for a full written breakdown of costs.
Check Credentials: Look for registration with the National Association of Funeral Directors (NAFD) or the Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors (SAIF).
Ask Questions: Make sure you understand every part of the funeral package and what you’re paying for.
Take Your Time: Don’t feel pressured to make decisions immediately. It’s okay to take a day or two.
Beware of Pressure Sales: If someone is rushing or pressuring you, walk away.
Pay Safely: Use card or cheque payments to keep proof. Avoid cash or bank transfers.
Get Everything in Writing: Don’t rely on verbal promises. Always ask for written contracts.

What To Do If You Suspect a Funeral Scam

If you think you’ve been scammed:

Contact Citizens Advice for help
Report to Trading Standards or the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA)
Contact your local council’s trading standards department
If you paid by card, contact your card provider to dispute the payment
Warn others by leaving reviews or sharing your experience online

Useful Resources

Financial Conduct Authority (FCA): fca.org.uk – Check authorised funeral plan providers
National Association of Funeral Directors (NAFD): nafd.org.uk – Find registered funeral directors
Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors (SAIF): saif.org.uk – Funeral director directory and standards
Citizens Advice: citizensadvice.org.uk – Consumer rights and scams advice
Competition and Markets Authority (CMA): gov.uk/cma – Enforcement against unfair funeral practices

How The Farewell Guide Can Help You Avoid Funeral Scams

At The Farewell Guide, we know how stressful and confusing funeral planning can be, especially when you’re grieving. That’s why we’re here to make the process easier, clearer, and more affordable.

Our service lets you compare funeral prices and services from trusted UK funeral directors all in one place. We only work with reputable providers who follow all necessary regulations, including displaying clear, standardised price lists as required by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA).

By using The Farewell Guide, you can:

Get transparent pricing upfront so there are no hidden fees or surprises
Choose from a range of funeral options to fit your budget and wishes
Avoid pushy sales tactics by comparing quotes before deciding
Feel confident you’re working with regulated, trustworthy funeral directors

Taking time to research and compare is one of the best ways to protect yourself and your family from funeral scams. We’re here to support you every step of the way, helping you plan a respectful farewell without the stress or worry.