How much does a funeral cost? New rule would make funeral homes post prices online

The FTC supports a rule change requiring funeral homes to post prices online (Photo by JIM WATSON/AFP via Getty Images) WASHINGTON - Funeral homes would be required to post their prices online if a new proposed federal rule takes effect.The Federal Trade Commission is seeking comments on why it should or shouldn’t require funeral homes to provide pricing information online or via email.

It’s part of an update to the Funeral Rule of 1984, which was designed to help consumers avoid being taken advantage of during such a challenging time."People are at their most vulnerable when they’re grieving," FTC Chair Lina M.

Khan said in a statement.The Funeral Rule requires funeral homes to provide a "clear list" of pricing so people know what it is they’re paying for, but because the rule was implemented before the internet age, it only applies in person or by phone.READ MORE: FTC wants to make it easier to cancel free trials and subscription plans"Even though Americans today typically begin their shopping online, funeral providers are not required to list prices on their websites," Khan said. "Just under 25 percent of funeral home websites provided a full list of prices.

Over sixty percent provided little to no price information whatsoever. Stories persist about consumers spending hours trying to answer the most basic questions about how much it will cost to bury their loved ones."In the internet era, it’s hard to see why anyone should have to physically visit or call multiple funeral homes just to compare prices," Khan continued.Six-year-old Raelynn Nast spoke with FOX Television Stations about inviting a passerby and her dog to her father's funeral.Earlier this month, the agency settled a civil case against a funeral service.