By eziFunerals – Australia’s Independent Funeral Planning Authority

Find Funeral Services Across Australia

When families are grieving, they are also vulnerable — and unfortunately, some people exploit that. In recent years, funeral scams and online fraud have increased across Australia, targeting families emotionally and financially.

At eziFunerals, we believe every Australian deserves transparent, ethical and honest funeral information. Here’s how to recognise, report, and avoid scams in the funeral industry.

👉 Find Verified Funeral Directors

⚖️ What Are Funeral Scams?

Funeral scams occur when individuals or fake businesses attempt to profit from grief by misrepresenting services, collecting false payments, or impersonating legitimate funeral homes.

Common types include:

Fake GoFundMe pages claiming to raise money for funerals that don’t exist.
Online funeral “brokers” who take deposits but don’t provide any service.
Impersonation scams, where criminals pretend to represent real funeral homes.
Unlicensed operators offering cheap cremations or body transfers illegally.
Hidden commission models, where families unknowingly overpay intermediaries.

“We see scams that prey on people’s grief and urgency,” says the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC). “Always verify who you are paying before sending money.”

— ACCC Scamwatch – Funerals & Bereavement Scams

💰 How Much Australians Lose to Funeral Scams

According to Scamwatch, Australians lost over $3.1 million in 2024 to bereavement and charity-related scams — a number that continues to grow with online payments and crowdfunding platforms.

The most common victims are:

Seniors managing funerals for partners or family members
Migrant communities arranging funerals abroad
Families using social media crowdfunding to cover expenses

Source: Scamwatch Annual Data Report 2024.

⚠️ Warning Signs of a Funeral Scam

Be cautious if you notice any of these red flags:

🔴 No physical business address or ABN listed

🔴 Requests for urgent payment via bank transfer or gift cards

🔴 “Too good to be true” prices (e.g., $900 cremation packages)

🔴 Pressure to sign or pay immediately

🔴 Emails from generic domains (e.g., Gmail, Outlook)

🔴 Lack of written quote or contract

Legitimate funeral homes will always provide an ABN, a physical address, and written documentation before payment.

🏛️ Australian Consumer Protection Laws

All funeral providers in Australia must comply with the Australian Consumer Law (ACL), which protects families from unfair, deceptive, or unconscionable conduct.

Key points under ACL:

✅ Providers must give clear and accurate pricing information

✅ They cannot mislead you about inclusions or costs

✅ You are entitled to refunds for services not delivered

Official references:

ACCC – Funeral Services Guide
Consumer Affairs Victoria – Funerals
WA Consumer Protection – Funeral Pricing Code of Practice

💻 Online and Crowdfunding Scams

Crowdfunding for funeral expenses has become common, but it’s also a breeding ground for fraud.

Before donating to a funeral GoFundMe or Facebook campaign:

Verify that the deceased person and organiser are genuine.
Contact the family or listed funeral home directly.
Be cautious of recently created pages with emotional stories but few details.
Avoid clicking suspicious links shared via social media.

Scamwatch warns: “Fraudsters often copy legitimate funeral campaigns using real names or photos to collect donations.”

⚰️ Unlicensed Funeral Operators

Some people pose as funeral directors without proper training, facilities, or licensing. They may:

Operate out of private homes
Use substandard mortuary care
Outsource cremations without consent
Withhold ashes or fail to deliver promised services

Always check that your provider is an independent, registered funeral director.

👉 Find Verified Independent Funeral Homes

📋 How to Verify a Funeral Provider

Check the ABN at abr.business.gov.au.
Search for a Google Business Profile with reviews.
Ask for a written quote and service agreement.
Verify if they’re a member of a professional association.
Confirm cremation permits or facility registration if applicable.

If you’re unsure, eziFunerals can help verify a funeral home’s credentials before you commit.

🧭 How to Report a Funeral Scam

If you’ve been scammed or suspect fraud:

Report to Scamwatch.
Contact your state consumer protection agency (NSW Fair Trading, Consumer Affairs VIC, etc.).
Notify your bank immediately to try to recover funds.
File a police report if criminal activity is involved.

You can also share your experience anonymously to help others avoid similar scams via eziFunerals’ community portal.

💬 How eziFunerals Protects Families

As Australia’s independent funeral planning platform, eziFunerals:

Verifies legitimate, local funeral directors.
Provides access to transparent, written quotes.
Avoids commissions, hidden fees, or referral scams.
Helps families plan funerals privately and safely online.

👉 Compare Verified Funeral Directors Near You

❓ FAQs – Funeral Scams in Australia

Q1. How common are funeral scams in Australia?

They are increasing, especially online. Scamwatch reported more than $3 million in losses related to bereavement scams in 2024.

Q2. How do I know if a funeral director is real?

Check their ABN, reviews, and whether they have a physical address and licence.

Q3. Are fake GoFundMe pages common?

Yes. Always confirm with the deceased’s family or the listed funeral home before donating.

Q4. What if I’ve already paid a scammer?

Contact your bank and report it to Scamwatch and your state consumer agency immediately.

Q5. How does eziFunerals keep families safe?

We only list verified, independent funeral directors and provide transparent pricing without hidden commissions.

Explore More Funeral Planning Guides

Peter Erceg

Peter Erceg is the Founder and Owner of eziFunerals — Australia’s Independent Funeral Planning Authority. With more than 40 years of experience in government and public health, Peter has become one of the country’s leading voices on funeral transparency, consumer rights, and ethical funeral practices. Through eziFunerals, Peter has built a national platform that empowers Australian families to make informed end-of-life decisions — free from pressure, commissions, and confusion. His goal is simple: "to help every Australian plan smarter, save money, and choose funeral services with confidence." 🕊 eziFunerals was founded by Peter in 2011, as an independent funeral comparison and planning platform that allows consumers to: • Compare local funeral directors and transparent quotes, • Understand real funeral costs across Australia, and • Connect with trusted, independent funeral homes that uphold the Fair Funeral Promise. As Australia’s Independent Funeral Planning Authority, eziFunerals is recognised by media, consumers, and funeral professionals for its leadership in price transparency and consumer protection. “We believe every family deserves a fair, dignified, and affordable farewell — without hidden fees or sales pressure.” 📘 Peter is the author of What Kind of Funeral: A Self-Help Guide to Planning a Meaningful Funeral, a practical guide that has helped thousands of Australians understand their options and avoid unnecessary costs. He regularly contributes articles and commentary on: • Funeral cost transparency and industry reform, • Prepaid funerals and consumer protection, • Emerging trends in eco-friendly and digital memorials, and • The role of AI and technology in end-of-life planning. 🎙 Peter and eziFunerals have been featured in major Australian media outlets including ABC News. His insights continue to shape the national conversation on funeral costs, consumer rights, and ethical practices in the funeral industry. ⚖️ Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by Peter Erceg are his own and do not necessarily reflect those of eziFunerals or its members. The information provided on this site is general in nature and should not be taken as personal, legal, or financial advice. Consumers are encouraged to conduct their own research and compare funeral services that best meet their needs and circumstances.

Funeral Scams and How to Avoid Them in Australia