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A Person We Trusted Stole from Mother’s Estate

April 13, 2019 By Richard Farrell

When a loved one is close to breathing their last breath or has passed on, someone may steal from their estate when they are powerless to prevent this. Probate fraud is one of the nastiest, despicable crimes in the UK.

Unfortunately it’s also on the increase. The Gazette believes probate fraud totals £150 million annually, and one in two probate professionals have encountered it.

Who Are the Nasty Horrible People Doing This?

The short answer is anybody in a position of trust can get away with it, unless other people in the inner circle are alert. The people stalking ‘mother’s estate’ could be close family members, intimate friends, carers, legal specialists or even neighbours.

The only way to protect your own legitimate interest in an estate is to watch carefully for signs of fraud, and take action immediately if anything makes you suspicious.

What are the Signs of Fraud to Watch Out For?

# Changes to Their Will Shortly Before They Died

  • Did the deceased person change the conditions of their will – especially the main beneficiary – shortly before they died? Can you think of any reasonable reason why they would have wanted to do this?
  • Did they consult a probate professional and perhaps appoint them as executor? If not, a handwritten will or internet form may indicate they possibly did not understand what they signed
  • Can you think of anybody who might have had reason to influence the conditions of the will? Was someone they had not seen for a while – or a stranger – spending undue time with them and perhaps excluding others?

Finally, does the deceased person’s will ring true to their personal relationships? If it makes strange bequests that jar with your understanding, then there’s a possibility it is a forgery.

# Unusual / Unexpected Transactions Before or Shortly After Death

Review the deceased person’s last three bank statements for suspicious or unusual transfers or cash withdrawals. Did any of these take place while they were in hospital, or mentally / physically unable to do this themselves.

If you are able to access their accounts, check to see whether they added a new beneficiary, or paid a sum of money to an attorney you don’t know. Finally, if you find a bill in their mail for a large amount that does not make sense to you, query it.

# Unusual Requests to Beneficiaries Awaiting Pay Outs

Most people in Britain have no idea how wills, disbursements, and probate work in practice. They are content to wait for their inheritance to arrive in their account, and are often open to requests to do something to release the funds.

It’s not uncommon for them to receive emails from people pretending to be solicitors. These messages usually ask them to send money to a bogus bank account to settle a bill or pay outstanding tax.

I’m Suspicious about Something? What Must I Do

Speak to the solicitor managing the estate, or the person holding the Grant of Probate. If they don’t take you seriously, or are plain disinterested speak to the police. You owe it to the deceased to see their last will and testament fulfilled.

Related

Filed Under: Chattels Valuation Tagged With: handwritten wills, last minute changes to will, probate contents valuation, probate fraud, unusual requests to beneficiaries

Our House Clearance Services

We provide a full house clearance and property management solution:

  • We clear hoarded houses, regardless how big or how cluttered
  • We clear all types and sizes of property, irrespective of location, or access is restricted or where parking is difficult or not available.
  • We can help avoid water damage by draining the central heating system.
  • We can secure the property and change the locks.
  • We can reinstate the gardens and maintain them whilst the property is empty.
  • We can provide 24 hour security to eliminate the risk of squatting or unlawful occupation.

As well normal house clearances we specialise in clutter clearance and we can clear a hoarded house which may contain years of accumulated possessions, or which have abnormal amounts of general household items, sometimes as a result of compulsive hoarding syndrome.

Equally we can help to clear a property where the occupants were previously unwell and unable to care for themselves or their property which sometimes results in insanitary, dangerous or just plain unpleasant conditions.

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Client Reviews

Jenny Schon
Dec 3, 2021
 by Jenny Schon on Avery Associates
Well done

This truly is a 'one stop shop' for all things relating to Probate valuations and clearance. Jeffrey is a 'facilitator' and full marks to him for finding... Read More

Kevin Anderson
Oct 26, 2021
 by Kevin Anderson on Avery Associates
Fantastic and Reliable

Our aunt was a recluse and hoarder. She died leaving two properties in London that were dilapidated and completely hoarded. Unfortunately, because everything... Read More

It was a pleasure to assist Kevin

T. Hackett
Aug 26, 2021
 by T. Hackett on Avery Associates
1st Class Service

Avery Associates Appraisal I have just moved house after almost 30 years of occupation. My initial choice of movers, Pickfords, decided at the last... Read More

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