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CHICAGO (WBBM) - Burr Oak Cemetery was giving the Better Business Bureau trouble long before it was shut down by law enforcement.

The CEO of the group's Chicago office, Steve Bernas, said relatives filed five complaints against Burr Oak over the past three years, none of which was resolved. That led to Burr Oak being given an "F" rating, one of four cemeteries in the area so rated.

In one such case that dates from May, Bernas said the relative complained that a cemetery employee had embezzled money that was supposed to be used to pay for installation of a grave marker. The person was told he had to pay the fee, even though the fee had been paid and the relative had a receipt.

The relative says he was told an installation fee needed to be paid, but in fact the fee had been paid and the relative had a receipt.

Four former Burr Oak employees are charged in an alleged scheme to dig up hundreds of graves and resell the plots.

Bernas said Burr Oak personnel never responded to its inquiries.

Bernas said the best way to avoid such painful problems is to visit a cemetery before you need to bury a loved one, tour the grounds, see how it is maintained and speak with staff.

The Better Business Bureau offers comprehensive ratings on cemeteries, and said the industry as a whole has a "persistent pattern" of complaints.

While Bernas said he's never seen a case quite like the one now facing Burr Oak, he said there are concerns raised about many other cemeteries in the area.

Here's more information from the Better Business Bureau:

The Better Business Bureau serving Chicago and Northern Illinois has been working as an advocate to attempt to help relatives and friends of people interred at Burr Oak and other cemeteries, but it appears the industry as a whole has a persistent pattern of complaints from the families of deceased relatives.

"Most troubling is the lack of response from representatives of Burr Oak and other cemeteries," says Steve J. Bernas, president & CEO of the BBB serving Chicago and Northern Illinois. "Burr Oak and four other cemeteries, including one for pets, all have an "F" rating which is the lowest possible." He adds, "Responding to complaints is one of the most important factors that help determine a businesses rating."

Burr Oak's report shows five complaints filed in the last 36 months, which is our standard reporting period. One of the complaints filed this past May suggests that monies paid had been misappropriated or embezzled by an employee. The grave marker for the person's son was in the holding area awaiting payment of the installation fee. The fee in fact was paid and the consumer had a receipt.

"As we know Burr Oak has some very serious allegations pending," stated Bernas. "But we are equally concerned about the complaints filed against the other cemeteries. The most common complaints are service issues running the gamut from missing grave markers to being unprepared for memorial services."

The time following the death of a loved one is a very difficult period but it is also a time when many decision must be made. The BBB offers the following suggestions when selecting a cemetery:

Consider family preferences, but look for a reasonable price. Military cemeteries as well as some connected with a specific place of worship may restrict entry to people who meet specific criteria.

Keep in mind that if certain family members want to be buried together, you may save money by purchasing enough plots for all in the same cemetery at one time.

Familiarize yourself on the differences between funeral home basic fees for professional services and any fees for additional services.

Tour the grounds and ask for a map of available plots.

Find out what are the price differences. A mausoleum may cost less than a plot. Be sure to compare the prices of more scenic burial plots with those in less charming locations in the same cemetery. You can save money by forgoing the view.

Add up the total cost of the plot. Are there opening and closing fees, and how much are they? How will payments be made? Are there any future maintenance fees?

Find out what happens if you change your mind. Can you sell the plot or transfer ownership to someone else?

Make sure you understand all contract cancellation and refund terms, as well as your portability options for transferring your contract to other funeral homes.

Learn about embalming rules which are governed by state law; embalming is not legally required for direct cremations.

"It is sad that there are some businesses that take advantage of people at a difficult time in their lives simply to make exorbitant profits," stated Bernas. "As a consumer, do not allow yourself to be pressured by vendors into making purchases, signing contracts, or committing funds. These decisions are yours and yours alone."

As with any business transaction, be sure to read all agreements, guarantees, and instructions before signing. Make sure all oral promises are put in writing. Be wary of vaguely worded provisions, exclusions or limitations which could pose a problem later. Never sign a contract with sections left blank.