Warning as bogus will-writers target Shropshire
Published August 2010
Growing numbers of elderly and vulnerable Shropshire residents are being targeted by unscrupulous and unregulated will-writing firms, a county lawyer has warned.
Sophie Yates, of MFG Solicitors, warned that cold calling of elderly people was getting out of hand.
Miss Yates, who specialises in advising clients in relation to wills, administration of estates, lasting powers of attorney and Court of Protection issues, said the practice was causing serious concern.
Clients had been ringing in enquiring how rogue will writing and legal service companies had managed to obtain their details.
She said: “The whole thing is scandalous.
Miss Yates noted: “A properly drawn up will is the only way to ensure your loved ones are properly provided for when you are gone.
“Sadly, an increasing number of people are falling victim to will writing scams that leave them seriously out of pocket.
“Separation, divorce, remarriage and cohabitation are much more common nowadays, and all have a potential impact upon the distribution of a person’s estate.
“Drafting a will without expert knowledge of the law and a clear understanding of the family background can lead to disastrous results such as an increased tax liability, the wrong people inheriting money or assets and the possibility of family feuds as loved ones lose out financially.
Citizens Advice has warned people not to be conned by adverts and cold calls from cowboys promising to make wills on the cheap and fishing for personal information.
“Some so-called will writers are advertising wills for around £24 in local papers and cold calling people by phone just to get a foot in the door so they can go in with a hard sell,” the organisation noted. “Once through the front door, the true cost begins to add up to hundreds of pounds and people are often required to pay up there and then.”
And consumer champion Which? recently voiced its worries that some will providers were recommending they be named as an executor without properly explaining the implications. Executors are the people responsible for sorting out estates and dealing with paperwork after death.
Consumers also need to be aware of hidden charges, particularly for storage of documents. As these firms do not belong to any regulatory body no code of conduct applies and their services often disappear, making it impossible to find your will and leaving your loved ones in a state of panic and uncertainty following your death.
“My advice is to seek tailored advice from a regulated, qualified adviser,” said Sophie Yates.
