Additional Information for R. G. Ortiz Funeral Home Inc.

The following describes a government action that has been resolved by either a settlement or a decision by a court or administrative agency. If the matter is being appealed, it will be noted below.

On August 26, 2024, the New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) Commissioner Vilda Vera Mayuga announced an agreement with R.G. Ortiz Funeral Homes to provide more than $604,000 in restitution for consumers they exploited as well as $100,000 in civil penalties. In April, DCWP filed a lawsuit against R.G. Ortiz for egregious violations of the city’s Consumer Protection Law, including refusing to provide information regarding the whereabouts of consumers’ loved ones’ remains, misrepresenting or concealing the prices of services offered, failing to provide services that consumers paid for – in part because they routinely presented remains in unacceptable conditions – among others. R.G. Ortiz operates locations in the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Manhattan, primarily targeting Spanish-speaking communities.

Since 2018, a total of 74 consumers submitted complaints to DCWP detailing R.G. Ortiz’s predatory and deceptive practices targeting grieving families. DCWP launched an investigation and charged R.G. Ortiz with over 82 violations. As part of the settlement, 28 consumers will receive approximately $104,000 in payments, leaving $500,000 for other consumers who have yet to come forward with claims. DCWP encourages New Yorkers harmed by R.G. Ortiz to submit claims online (also available in Spanish).

In addition to consumer restitution and civil penalties, R.G. Ortiz has agreed to comply with the law going forward, including by disclosing the location of remains to consumers upon request, providing services agreed to, and disclosing prices of services and products.