Funeral home to pay $600k in fraud claims

August 28, 2024 Brooklyn Eagle Staff

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CITYWIDE — DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER and Worker Protection Commissioner Vilda Vera Mayuga on Monday announced an agreement with the R.G. Ortiz Funeral Homes chain, which operates in the Bronx, Brooklyn and Manhattan, to provide more than $604,000 in restitution for “egregious” violations of the city’s Consumer Protection Law. The city had filed suit against Ortiz in April after receiving dozens of complains about the chain, reportedly including refusing to disclose the location of remains, misrepresenting prices, failing to provide paid-for services, presenting remains in “unacceptable conditions” and other offenses, according to a press release from the DCWP. In addition to $100,000 in civil penalties, the city says that 28 victims will receive payouts totaling $104,000, leaving $500,000 for other affected customers, and encourages those who may have been harmed by Ortiz’ “predatory and deceptive practices” to come forward by filing complaints online on the DCWP’s webpage or by calling 311. Ortiz also operates under the names of Rivera Funeral Home, McGonnell Funeral Home, Louis Tommaso Funeral Home and Parkchester Funeral Home.

“Few moments in our lives are as challenging as when we’re mourning the passing of a loved one, and R.G. Ortiz sought to exploit those moments of grief and prey on vulnerable New Yorkers. Money will never heal the wounds R.G. Ortiz’s conduct inflicted, but we’re proud to hold this business accountable and secure justice for our neighbors,” Mayuga said in a press statement.

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