This website provides information on Probate in the UK and related topics. This is NOT a government website and is not affiliated with any UK department including the Ministry of Justice. Every effort has been made to insure the accuracy of the information provided.
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Probate Scams and Fraud
Chances are that if you have an email address, then in all likelihood you have received one of those 419 Nigerian scam emails. The general premises of the emails is a promise remarkable riches if you part with some money upfront.
Well you need to be aware that there are several Probate scams which operate in a very similar style.
Chances are that if you have an email address, then in all likelihood you have received one of those 419 Nigerian scam emails. The general premises of the emails is a promise remarkable riches if you part with some money upfront.
Well you need to be aware that there are several Probate scams which operate in a very similar style.
The most common Probate Scam
The most common example of a probate scams is being informed that you are the recipient of a large sum of money, however you are asked to pay a fee to get a percentage of the money. The basic premise holds true if it sounds too good to be true then it probably is.
The most common example of a probate scams is being informed that you are the recipient of a large sum of money, however you are asked to pay a fee to get a percentage of the money. The basic premise holds true if it sounds too good to be true then it probably is.
Probate Fraud
Research shows that three groups of people tend to commit Probate Fraud
- Relatives
- Carers
- Solicitors
Research shows that three groups of people tend to commit Probate Fraud
- Relatives
- Carers
- Solicitors
Relatives
Relatives are usually in a position that gives them access to the deceased’s documentation and property. This situation may lead some relatives to be less than honest and convert money, property and possessions for personal use and gain.
Carers
Carers are in a position of great trust and in some cases carers tend to have been very close to the deceased. There have been occasions in the recent past when the national newspapers have reported cases where carers have been convicted for forging a will, which names the carer as the sole beneficiary. Fortunately these cases are rare.
Solicitors
Relatives are usually in a position that gives them access to the deceased’s documentation and property. This situation may lead some relatives to be less than honest and convert money, property and possessions for personal use and gain.
Carers
Carers are in a position of great trust and in some cases carers tend to have been very close to the deceased. There have been occasions in the recent past when the national newspapers have reported cases where carers have been convicted for forging a will, which names the carer as the sole beneficiary. Fortunately these cases are rare.
Solicitors
The very nature of the probate process makes it complicated and long, therefore it needs a skilled professional to navigate the process. Naturally we have to trust those professionals that provide us with a service and solicitors are no different. Unfortunately solicitors have been known to abuse they position and gain from the deceased’s assets and property.
Scam Warning Signs
- Unexpected changes to the Will
- Baffling withdrawals from bank accounts made not long before death
- Out of character transfers of substantial sums of money and/or property.
- The disappearance of expensive items
- The addition of someone else’s name on a bank account
Of course you should carefully look at any evidence you receive, and cautiously consider it. Before you start pointing fingers make sure that the evidence you have is strong. It might be worthwhile gathering dossiers of evidence before presenting it law enforcement authorities.
It maybe that there is a completely rational explanation for what a first may appear to be dodgy dealings. Be prepared to give the benefit of the doubt, mistakes happen.
Things to do if you are suspicious
- Obtain copies of all previous Wills
- Obtain copies of the Will notes
- Find out who witnessed the Will
- Find out whether the witness can give statements
- Determine if the Will was explained properly to the deceased
- Find out where the Will was executed
- Locate and get documentation from deceased’s GP, hospital and care home.
Scam Warning Signs
- Unexpected changes to the Will
- Baffling withdrawals from bank accounts made not long before death
- Out of character transfers of substantial sums of money and/or property.
- The disappearance of expensive items
- The addition of someone else’s name on a bank account
Of course you should carefully look at any evidence you receive, and cautiously consider it. Before you start pointing fingers make sure that the evidence you have is strong. It might be worthwhile gathering dossiers of evidence before presenting it law enforcement authorities.
It maybe that there is a completely rational explanation for what a first may appear to be dodgy dealings. Be prepared to give the benefit of the doubt, mistakes happen.
Things to do if you are suspicious
- Obtain copies of all previous Wills
- Obtain copies of the Will notes
- Find out who witnessed the Will
- Find out whether the witness can give statements
- Determine if the Will was explained properly to the deceased
- Find out where the Will was executed
- Locate and get documentation from deceased’s GP, hospital and care home.