NYC’s DCWP Secures Over $600,000 for Consumers Exploited by R.G. Ortiz Funeral Homes

The New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) has successfully secured over $600,000 in restitution and penalties from R.G. Ortiz Funeral Homes, following a lawsuit for severe violations of the city’s Consumer Protection Law. R.G. Ortiz Funeral Homes, which operates in the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Manhattan, was found guilty of exploiting grieving families by refusing to disclose the locations of deceased loved ones, misrepresenting prices, and failing to provide promised services. The funeral home chain’s practices primarily targeted Spanish-speaking communities, exacerbating the impact on vulnerable consumers.

The settlement includes $604,000 in restitution, with $104,000 designated for 28 consumers who have already come forward, and an additional $500,000 reserved for others who may still file claims. Additionally, the funeral homes will pay $100,000 in civil penalties and are required to comply with legal standards moving forward, including transparency in pricing and service fulfillment. The DCWP is actively encouraging affected consumers to submit their claims, ensuring that those who were deceived receive justice. The investigation was led by DCWP’s legal team, underlining the department’s commitment to protecting consumers and holding predatory businesses accountable.

This case highlights the DCWP’s broader mission to safeguard the economic well-being of New Yorkers, particularly in vulnerable communities, by enforcing consumer protection laws and advocating for fairness in the marketplace.