A Seaford funeral director has been ordered to stop taking pre-paid funeral contracts; pay refunds to clients; and hand over that side of his business to a receiver to manage, following a hearing in the County Court of Victoria.
Consumer Affairs Victoria commenced civil action against Tom Bull, 49, owner of Seaford Funerals, alleging that he mishandled money he accepted for pre-paid funerals.
Under the Funerals Act 2006, payments for pre-paid funerals must be lodged with an accredited financial institution.
The court action came about after Consumer Affairs Victoria became aware that Mr Bull was not handling pre-paid funeral money appropriately.
Mr Bull consented to the court’s orders to refund $16,544.50 to eight consumers with pre-paid funeral contracts whose funds had not been properly invested.
The court appointed a receiver to take over any existing pre-paid funeral contracts or investment bonds held by Tom Bull.
As well as Seaford Funerals, Mr Bull has also traded under the names Rye & Sorrento Funeral Care, Westernport Funeral Care, Melbourne Funeral Care, and Dandenong Funeral Care.