Hamilton & Associates
September 6th, 2025
Many fraudulent schemes find their way into the probate system, exploiting the complexity and tension typically involved.
You should be aware of the types of crimes that can be perpetrated, which involve fraud, embezzlement, identity theft, and forgery. Criminal acts of will forgery, theft of assets, and exploitation of vulnerable beneficiaries not only result in delays to settle estates but also inflict economic and emotional harm. Such illegal actions may radically alter the distribution of assets desired by the deceased, leading to mistrust among beneficiaries and heirs. Identifying these acts will protect your interests and ensure that the estate is handled lawfully and fairly.
Common Probate Scams:
- Will Forgery Altering or forging bogus wills to steal inheritances.
- Asset Concealment Hiding or devaluing estate assets to reduce distributions.
- False Accounting Falsifying financial statements to steal estate funds.
- Impersonation Assuming another’s identity to inherit.
- Influence or Duress Swearing the decedent into changing their will illegally.
