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CCSC Releases 2003 Activity Survey Data
The Cemetery Consumer Service Council (CCSC) has announced the results of its Activity Survey Report for the year 2003. A total of 193 complaints and inquiries were processed during the year. Of that number, 179 were resolved. Thirty-six complaints and inquiries were pending at the beginning of the year while another 50 remained at year's end. These figures are based on the responses provided by 22 of the 39 state CCSC committees and state agencies where no CCSC committee exists.
Among the various types of complaints and inquiries received, 31 dealt with improper cemetery maintenance, 55 with questionable sales practices, 30 with Truth in Lending matters and other contractual issues, 32 with cemetery rules and regulations, and another 46 with a variety of other issues including simple inquiries into cemetery practices.
The Cemetery Consumer Service Council is now in its 25th year of operation and continues to improve its effectiveness to assist consumers. An increasing number of calls originate as referrals from Better Business Bureaus and similar organizations. The CCSC also contacts members of Congress to advise them of the assistance and information the Council can offer their constituents.
CCSC is a non-profit organization created in 1979 and is funded by the International Cemetery and Funeral Association, the Cremation Association of North America, the Central States Cemetery Association and the Southern Cemetery Association. Recently, new sponsors include the Western Cemetery Alliance, the Illinois Cemetery and Funeral Home Association, and the Interment Association of California. The sole purpose of CCSC is to assist consumers, without charge, in resolving complaints or answering inquiries regarding cemetery services or policies. Participation in the complaint resolution process is voluntary for both the consumer and the cemetery.
Industry members volunteer their time and experience to serve as CCSC representatives in their respective states. The Federal Trade Commission, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, various state consumer protection agencies, and offices of attorneys general are periodically notified of CCSC activities and are among the major sources for consumer referrals. CCSC is listed in the Consumer's Resource Handbook, a U.S. government publication that is circulated to public libraries and consumer assistance agencies throughout the nation.
Complaints are handled by the state and regional committees with the national CCSC office in the Washington, D.C. area being the overall coordinator of the project and the central contact point. Complaints received by the national office are logged in and each is given a file number for tracking purposes. A copy of the complaint is then forwarded to the appropriate state representative for investigation and action. At that point, many complaints are resolved by telephone and the consumer is promptly notified of the results. It is rare for a cemetery to refuse to participate in the CCSC dispute resolution process. Where no committee exists, CCSC works with the cemetery board or similar government agency to assist the consumer.
Industry members and consumers can reach the CCSC at P.O. Box 2028, Reston, VA 20195-2028; (703) 391-8407; fax (703) 391-8416.
SUMMARY - 2003 ACTIVITY SURVEY
22 out of 39 State Committees Reporting
Number of Complaints and Inquiries:
Pending at beginning of year - 36
Received during year - 193
Resolved during year - 179
Inquiries pending at end of year - 50
Categories of complaints and inquiries received:
Improper maintenance - 31
Questionable sales practices - 55
Truth-in-lending and other contractual deficiencies - 30
Rules and regulations - 32
Other - 46
Have any complaints or inquiries received by your committee during the
year gone to litigation or other legal action?
No
If yes, how many? N/A
Check the agencies and organizations that your committee has notified
about the availability of its services:
attorney general - 12
Better Business Bureau - 8
local TV station - 2
state cemetery board - 12
Chamber of Commerce - 6
newspapers - 3
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