Is after.com a Scam?

The concern about whether an online service is a scam is entirely valid, especially when dealing with something as sensitive and financially significant as end-of-life arrangements. Based on a thorough review of after.com’s publicly available information, there is no evidence to suggest that after.com is a scam. In fact, the company exhibits numerous characteristics of a legitimate and professionally managed business.

Indicators of Legitimacy (Not a Scam)

Several elements on after.com’s website and its digital footprint strongly contradict any notion of it being a scam.

• Transparency in Licensing: Scam websites typically hide or misrepresent their legal credentials. After.com, however, openly provides links to specific “License Information” for each state they operate in. For example, under Arizona, California, and other states, there are clear links to “License Information,” which is a hallmark of a legitimate, regulated entity.
• Provision of General Price Lists (GPLs): The Federal Trade Commission’s Funeral Rule mandates that funeral providers give consumers a General Price List. After.com complies by offering downloadable PDFs of their GPLs for each state. This level of transparency is unheard of in scam operations, which thrive on hidden fees and obfuscation.
• Long-Standing Domain Registration: The WHOIS data reveals that the domain “AFTER.COM” was created in 1997. Scams are often characterized by newly registered domains designed for quick fraudulent activity before being shut down. A domain existing for over two decades indicates a stable and long-term business presence.
• Clear Contact Information: Legitimate businesses provide multiple ways to contact them. After.com offers a 24/7 phone number, an email address ([email protected]), and a “Send a message” form. Scammers often provide minimal or fake contact details.
• Professional Website Design and Content: The website is well-designed, professional, and contains extensive, well-written content. Scam sites often have low-quality design, numerous grammatical errors, and generic, unspecific content.
• Detailed Terms of Service and Privacy Policy: Links to “Terms of Service” and “Privacy Policy” are clearly present. These legal documents are standard for legitimate businesses, outlining user agreements, data handling practices, and legal disclosures. Scammers typically omit these or provide very brief, non-compliant versions.
• Positive Customer Testimonials: While on-site testimonials can be curated, the sheer volume, detail, and consistent praise for specific staff members (e.g., “Jared at After,” “Assael”) lend authenticity. While independent verification through third-party review sites is always recommended, the current presentation does not trigger scam alerts.

How Scams in This Industry Typically Operate (and Why after.com Differs)

Understanding common scam tactics in the funeral industry helps highlight why after.com doesn’t fit the profile.

• Pressure Sales and Hidden Fees: Scammers often pressure grieving families into immediate decisions and then hit them with unexpected, exorbitant charges. After.com explicitly promises “Upfront prices” and “No hidden fees. Ever,” directly contrasting this tactic.
• Lack of Licensing/Regulation: Unscrupulous operators may claim to be licensed but lack proper credentials or operate in unregulated grey areas. After.com’s readily available license information counters this.
• Non-existent Services: Some scams involve taking money for services that are never rendered. After.com’s model involves tangible physical services (cremation, return of remains) coordinated through established local partners, making non-delivery highly unlikely and easily traceable.
• Impersonal or Generic Communication: Scams often use generic, templated responses. After.com’s testimonials emphasize personal care and communication, suggesting a more hands-on, empathetic approach.

Based on all available information on their homepage, after.com appears to be a legitimate, professionally run business aiming to provide transparent and compassionate cremation services.

Consumers should always exercise due diligence, but the indicators provided by after.com are strongly in favor of its authenticity.

How Does after.com Work? A Step-by-Step Guide