LA Probate Law: How Inheritance Scams Work
Inheritance scams usually contain offers of huge amounts of money which was transferred under your name by a deceased person whom you haven’t even heard of. Despite the unbelievable story, there may still be people who became victims of this type of fraud says LA Probate Law. Instead you received this contact as part of a mass mailing sent all across America to people who share the same last name as yours. Each one of these folks is told there is cash from inheritances that have been located in their names. The research specialists make money by asserting they’ve put together an estate report that includes information on where the inheritances are located and how they can be claimed. For a relatively small fee, say around $30, you can receive this report. They may also propose to administer your inheritance claim for you, for another “small fee”.
Emails
The great fantasy everyone wants to come true: You receive an email from a lawyer, barrister or bank employee stating a long-lost relative you’ve never heard of has died. The email goes on to say that after an exhaustive search, you are the only known living heir to your long-lost relative’s fortune. Congratulations, you’re a MILLIONAIRE! But first, you need to pay the international transfer fee, a bank holding fee or cover some legal expenses and the money is yours!. All you have to do is fax your identification or a bit of personal information (social security number, bank account number and bank routing number, etc.) or simply reply to the email with your information. This is the most common opening for a con known as the unclaimed inheritance scam expresses LA Probate Law. Have you ever wondered who falls for email scams: “Help me get money out of Nigeria; I just need your bank account information?” The answer may be: people with dementia. Dementia is a gradual cognitive decline caused by underlying damage to the brain. Alzheimer’s is the most common type. People understand that someone with a physical disability — a blind person or someone in a wheelchair — might be targeted for robbery. As a society, however, we have not fully realized how people with brain disorders might also be at high risk of victimization. Fortunately, family members, legal and medical professionals, psychologists, governments, and financial advisors can all help protect vulnerable people from exploitation.
Continuous Credit Card Charge
You are told that if you pay for the postage you will get a free CD. Naturally you must put your credit card details in for the postage. The CD arrives and is a total load of rubbish. Lo and behold charges start coming in every month – as much as $150! You search the sales letter, print it off and find buried in page 23 there is a note that if you don’t cancel within 30 days you will be charged $xx each month. The phone number goes on to message and the messages you leave are never returned…and your credit card keeps getting charged. How you cancel after 30 days is a mystery as you can’t get hold of anyone. This may be described as a fee for being named the relative, clearing payment, or any other number of excuses states LA Probate Law. The stories told by the scammer can be quite elaborate and they will go to great lengths to convince you that a fortune awaits. This includes sending you a large number of seemingly legitimate legal documents to sign, such as power of attorney documents. In some cases the recipient is invited overseas to examine documents and the money. The scammer will often organize an elaborate charade, complete with a safe full of money for anyone who takes up the offer.
How to Protect Yourself
Many kinds of professionals can help protect those who are vulnerable, and help loved ones and caregivers understand their options. Governments keep track of common scams and frauds – check with your state. Your protection is to delete the message and do not respond. If you reply then the thieves know your address is a genuine one. Do not click on any links they provide. You could be clicking to a site that may have a virus, spy-ware or just a place that you are giving your details to thieves who will then have access to your account details. A way to identify them as a scam is by how you are addressed…usually ‘dear customer’ or ‘dear account holder’…inheritance and donations may be ‘my dear’ and ‘my beloved’. Remember, if an offer appears too good to be true, it probably is. Avoid disclosing personal or financial information. Don’t share personal or account information such as account numbers, check card numbers, Social Security numbers, or any other sensitive information with strangers. Pay close attention to whether or not any investigations have or are currently being conducted against the firm, or people representing the firm, making the inheritance location offer. If you are concerned contact the sender direct who will be able to put your mind at rest.Prior to sending any money to those claiming to be an “estate locator”, double check with relatives about any recent deaths in your family. Also research the people and/or firm in question says LA Probate Law. Run their names by the Better Business Bureau, your state’s Attorney General’s Office and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.
LA Probate Law: How Inheritance Scams Work
- Things You May Need to Update in Your Estate Plan When You Enter Retirement - March 22, 2023
- 10 Estate Planning Tips You Cannot Afford to Ignore - March 21, 2023
- 7 Estate Planning Steps for the Beginner - March 16, 2023
