A family in Porirua says it has lost thousands of dollars after allegedly paying for a headstone that is never delivered. Both reports describe the incident as a scam involving memorial services, with the family left substantially out of pocket. In response, Porirua City Council issues a warning to residents who are arranging memorials, urging people to take steps to verify that providers are legitimate before paying. The council’s guidance focuses on checking credentials and confirming key details with suppliers, rather than relying on assurances or informal arrangements. The reports indicate the family’s losses stem from payment made for a headstone that does not arrive, raising concerns about fraudulent activity in the memorial market. The council’s warning is presented as a precautionary measure to help other families avoid similar financial harm when making memorial arrangements during a difficult time. No further details about the alleged parties or whether any charges have been laid are included in the provided summaries.