Innocent people from all over South Florida and throughout the State are receiving the pleasant news that they inherited from a long lost relative. Only thing is that the bank needs some funds to cover the delinquent account fees – what a great day! This is the epitome of an inheritance scam in West Palm Beach. Are you being scammed? Check out these ways Palm Beach probate litigators can spot an inheritance scam a mile away!
West Palm Beach Probate Scams
- Consumer experts and West Palm Beach probate litigators are noticing a rise ininheritance scams.
- Do you know how to spot one?
- Believe it or not it is actually pretty easy to spot an inheritance scam most of the time.
- With three quick rules you can probably keep scammers at bay.
Rule #1 Never Advance Funds
- If you received a notice that a long lost relative has left you a great fortune, you should be asking yourself why do they want me to advance funds?
- The scammers have thought of some pretty ridiculous excuses.
- For example often you will see them saying things like there are delinquent accountsor service charges to get your inheritance.
- This should raise the red flag.
- Experienced West Palm Beach probate litigators know that probate courts do not have “service charges” or “account fees.”
- If someone is asking you for money its not an inheritance it’s a bill!
- If there really were fees and other costs associated why don’t they just debit your account?
- When you actually think about it, it does not even make sense.
Rule #2 Banks and Trust Companies are Not Probate Litigators
- In West Palm Beach the personal representative stands in the shoes of the decedent / testator and handles the affairs of the estate.
- In other states this may be called an administrator or executor.
- One thing is for sure they have authority from the court.
- In West Palm Beach these are called letters testamentary.
- It is possible that a bank or corporation serves as the administrator / representative of anestate but they will include the authority from the court or should be able to produce it.
- If you are receiving from a notice from an organization claiming to be a bank or trust company if they ask you for personal financial information this is a red flag!
Rule #3 When in Doubt… ASK!
- Most importantly is the simple rule that if you are unsure just asks an experienced Palm Beach probate litigator.
- Those that are familiar with probate know what to look for and how to avoid scams.
Want to learn more about how probate works so that you can avoid scammers?