I found this information on the Indiana State Government website. Perhaps
they would be willing to look into the deceptive practice of selling a cemetery
plot and advertising that the price does NOT include the cost of perpetual
care. This is what their website states:
The Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division is responsible for
investigating, mediating and litigating complaints involving consumer transactions.
Common transactions complained of are automobile purchases and repairs,
telemarketing, home improvements and complaints against licensed professionals. The
section also engages in extensive consumer education and outreach programs.
The Consumer Protection Division is divided into two sections:
Licensed Professionals – This category includes complaints against most
professionals licensed by the State of Indiana. Complaints are investigated to
determine whether the practitioner has violated any standards of practice or
other rules and regulations of his or her particular profession.
Complaints appropriate for prosecution are litigated in an administrative
proceeding before the board that issued the practitioner’s license. There are 20
boards and committees that regulate health care practitioners, including
doctors, nurses, pharmacists, nursing home administrators, veterinarians or other
health care practitioners. There are 15 boards and commissions that regulate
non-medical licensed professions that include real estate agents, plumbers,
cosmetologists and architects.
General Consumer Complaint Investigation and Mediation – This includes most
other consumer complaints against businesses that are not regulated as licensed
professionals. An attempt is made to mediate individual complaints. The
complainant may also attempt to resolve the matter in small claims court or seek
the advice of a private attorney regarding legal remedies outside the Attorney
General’s Office.
If it appears that a business or individual is involved in a pattern of
deceptive practices, the division may initiate litigation under the Indiana
Deceptive Sales Act and other state and federal consumer protection statutes. The
litigation is brought in the name of the State of Indiana, rather than on behalf
of specific consumers. The State can seek restitution for any consumers
affected by the deceptive practices of the individual or business.
You can <A
HREF="http://www.in.gov/attorneygeneral/consumer/filecomplaint.htm&q... a
complaint</A> with the Consumer Protection Division or call
1.800.382.5516 or 317.232.6330.
I assume they are not licensed professionals, but then I am only going by the
practice in NY state.
Judy Neu
Springwater, NY