Estate Research based in Wigan...

[sem73]

Hi All

My dad has just rung to say he's recieved a letter from the above regarding the family of his mother (d.1979) and her parents, giving details of all 3 in the letter. Had a look at their website and it all seems legit...anyone had any experience of them?..

He's ringing them this morning & keeping me updated!..

Sarah

[heatherjulie]

Hi

Don't part with any money until you have checked them out!
Is your father trying to trace his family tree?
Seems strange to get a letter out of the blue

Heather

[Radcliff]

I had a phone call out of the blue,and it turned out to be legit,but they hadn't done their research as my mother was in fact the person entitled to the money,not me,check it out properly,the money had been held by the treasury from a distant relative that had died in 1990,this company didn't ask formoney ,

[CaroleW]

Looking at their website - they appear to be inferring that your father may be a beneficiary in somebody's will via his mother or her family.

Getting info about peoples ancestry is very easy - we do it all the time on this site so your dad needs to ask a lot of questions.

Whose will are they handling

When did that person die and what was their connection to your fathers mother.

Bearing in mind that your grandmother died in 1979 - 34yrs ago - how have they found your fathers address?

It would be easy to find your fathers name from birth registrations - but unless he has a very unusual name/surname tracking him down is more difficult

I should add that I have a VERY suspicious mind 

[Radcliff]

This is from the official treasury site,they list all unclaimed wills/probate here have a look for your person,

Probate scams,
Please be aware that there are currently several probate scams in operation,via the internet.
Many of these will inform the recipient that they are a beneficiary of a substantial legacy ,but will ask for fees and or taxes in advance of sending more information or the release of funds,

These will all ways be fraudulent and on no account should you make any payment or transfer any funds,

[sem73]

Hi All,

Many thanks for your replies!

My dad spoke to the firm on the phone this morning and it seems they are a probate research company similar set-up to Fraser & Fraser....

A researcher is visiting him & my mum tomorrow to talk it through and leave them the paperwork to go through before they proceed.... No upfront fees discussed just a commission based fee if the claim is successful.

I'll not give my notice in at work just yet!!  hopefully a drink at least the next time me & my dad meet up!!

Sarah

[Radcliff]

Sarah that sounds similar to what happened for us,no don't hand in your notice,by the time the distant relatives of ours estate was divided up it was a couple of hundred pounds,there were 44 claims I think,he took commission at the end rather than a fee,so probably got more than my mum,

[elzabels]

Check this out for more information.

http://www.bonavacantia.gov.uk/output/estate-faqs.aspx

Once you know who the deceased is there is no reason why you cannot submit your own claim!

[dave_44]

Hi All,

Many thanks for your replies!

My dad spoke to the firm on the phone this morning and it seems they are a probate research company similar set-up to Fraser & Fraser....

A researcher is visiting him & my mum tomorrow to talk it through and leave them the paperwork to go through before they proceed.... No upfront fees discussed just a commission based fee if the claim is successful.

I'll not give my notice in at work just yet!!  hopefully a drink at least the next time me & my dad meet up!!

Sarah

Hello, Sem73 had the same letter from that company. Were you successful ? i'm in two minds whether to reply or not.