Losing a loved one is already heartbreaking—but imagine paying for a gravestone that never arrives. That’s the nightmare Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost is fighting to end with a new lawsuit against a Dayton man accused of preying on grieving families.
Yost’s office has filed suit against Trevor Bush and the Harrison Township Cemetery Association—operating as “Greencastle Cemetery”—alleging they took thousands from customers for headstones that were never delivered.
“Losing a loved one is hard enough without having to fight to get what you paid for,” Yost said. “Any business that operates so deceptively deserves legal consequences.”
According to the lawsuit, customers made large upfront payments for grave markers, only to be strung along with promises that the stones would take months to complete. But when the promised deadlines passed, the gravestones never materialized.
Yost is demanding restitution for the victims and civil penalties for what he calls clear violations of Ohio’s Consumer Sales Practices Act. His office is urging anyone who has had similar experiences with Bush or Greencastle Cemetery to file a complaint at www.OhioProtects.org or by calling 1-800-282-0515.
Beware of Funeral Scams!
Sadly, shady funeral practices are nothing new. Here are a few common scams and how to protect yourself:
- Vanishing Vendors: Some companies take upfront payments for headstones, vaults, or funeral services and disappear before delivering. Always check online reviews and business credentials before paying.
- Hidden Fees: Some funeral homes hit families with unexpected costs after they’ve already committed. Request a detailed price list upfront.
- Bait-and-Switch Caskets: Some providers display high-quality caskets but substitute cheaper ones at burial. Ask to see the actual product before purchasing.
- Fake “Required” Purchases: Some funeral directors pressure families into buying unnecessary extras by claiming they’re legally required. Verify Ohio’s funeral laws at www.ftc.gov/funeral.
If you suspect a funeral-related scam, contact the Ohio Attorney General’s Office immediately. Don’t let fraudsters profit from grief!