Got scammed - estate solicitor not helping

marktms

Hello all

First of all let me confess that I was really stupid. I got scammed into what was just a grand pyramid scheme.

It was simple; Obtain money from an individual and promise that individual a healthy return on their “investment”. These individuals trusted the person implicitly that he would deliver his side of the deal. The scam was geared towards taking advantage of the booming UK property market, typically commercial properties, whereby brown field sites were purchased using the collective money’s from the trusting individuals and then subsequently offered to a number of property developers, who would then bid on the properties, resulting in not only quick sales but also healthy returns for the willing and trusting individuals.
The truth is that no property was ever purchased or sold. The method used by the scammer has all the hallmarks of a classic pyramid scam whereby the first rounds of individuals were indeed recompensed using the next round of funds acquired from yet more trusting folk.

When I tried to get my money "investment" back the scammer gave all sorts of excuses. Eventually he stopped responding to text messages. I then got a call our of the blue from his son, from the scamsters mobile, that his father (the scamster) had died and that I should deal with the solicitor handling the estate. The solicitor just also happened to be the one who "documented" the various transactions.

So after many attempts on my own and making use of my own solicitor, it appears that the estate is insolvent. I have tried to get a list of fellow creditors and a copy of the "deceased" death certificate. My requests are all just ignored, even those from my solicitor.

My question, and apologies if this appears to be looking for legal help but the underlying reason is that I just want my money back.

Does anyone know if I have any legal right to demand the copy of the deceaseds death certificate and a list of fellow creditors? The latter is to do a joint claim on the estate, giving more impetus.

I am starting to doubt whether the deceased is dead at all or has done a runner, seeing that the amount scammed from all the creditors is £600,000.00 of which mine is £15000.00

There it is, my soul bared to all ;-)

maninthestreet

Death certificates are publicly available, aren't they? Have you checked that the 'solicitor' handling the allegedly dead person's estate is a real solicitor (check with the Law Society).

marktms

Hi maninthestreet

Thanks for you reply. Yes, death certificates are publicly available...if the deceased died over 18 months ago. Trying to get one before that time is a real challenge.

The solicitor is legit (excuse the pun) and has offices in Reading.

I also checked the records office of both where the deceased alledgedly died and in his home town and surprise surprise, no record in either office of the death.

I am starting to think it may be time to visit the boys in blue.

maninthestreet

I assume the 'records office' you refer to is the Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages. What steps does your solicitor suggest you now take?

Crazy_Jamie

The solicitor just also happened to be the one who "documented" the various transactions.

Presumably your solicitor knows all of the details you have put in this post, including this bit that I quoted here? It sounds to me like the solicitor acting for the 'deceased' Defendant is guilty of some serious misconduct, in which case I would expect your solicitor to be planning some hardline moves. I would re iterate maninthestreet's question to this point; what's your solicitor's plan of action?

nomoneytoday

So you were greedy and got duped? Now there is no money left you are chasing thin air.... or is his death part of the scam?

Crazy_Jamie

nomoneytoday wrote: »

So you were greedy and got duped? Now there is no money left you are chasing thin air.... or is his death part of the scam?

I think the idea is that his death is part of the scam, which is certainly a twist on this type of thing. And whilst pyramid schemes do tend to attract the greedy, and I'm sure every victim blames themselves to an extent, it doesn't change the fact that they are victims of a crime.

marktms

Thanks Crazy Jamie and again maninthestreet

Ok; my solicitor is aware that the deceased's solicitor was also involved in vetting the financial transactions and said there was nothing initially untoward about that. He also apparently knows him and added that he didn't believe he was complicit so to speak, but did imply that it was also not out of the realms of possibility either.

The last time we spoke, my solicitor did say that if we pursue it further, this is after the deceased's solicitor once again ignored requests for the information requested, that I may want to draw a line under it and put it down to experience, albeit an expensive bit of experience at that. As I am already down by £15k and another £500 for my solicitor, I am at the point where, whilst I do want to get some or all of my money back, I would also like to see justice. I would hate the "deceased" to re-emerge and start taking advantage again of my fellow trusting citizens.

To answer maninthestreet; yes, I contacted the Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages office in both Reading and Horsham, the latter where the deceased apparently died. Neither of them have a recorded death in 2008 for that person. When I sent the GRO (Government Record Office) an email, they informed me about the 18 month limitation and that I should go back to the local Registrar Offices. So, as you can see, its going a bit around the houses. Very frustrating an annoying. I dont want to keep spending money on this issue but I also dont want the deceased and/or his solicitor to just get away with it.

So right now I no longer have a solicitor on the case for me due to costs.

Thanks again for the input and advice.

marktms

Hi nomoneytoday

Yes, to be perfectly honest it was greed I guess. I wanted to make a quick profit and guess the scamster saw me coming. He preyed on my trust.

As for being greedy, I would like to think I am not alone in that dept.

lcharm

My understanding from what you've written is you went directly to this guy and not through an Independent Financial Adviser?

Ordinarily if it had been done properly you may have been able to seek redress from the financial services compensation scheme but I think you're only hope now is the fraud squad!

I would continue to seek legal advice and just expect the worst (I.e. No money returning to you!). Can't his son be traced anymore and are there no other partners names attached to this guy? No addresses etc...?

What original paperwork did you have when you made this "investment"? Was the guy or his business FSA registered?

wizard5353

Hi marktms,

Sorry to hear you got scammed. I would say your going to have to write off the 15k as experience unless the Police can catch the crook. I would personally inform the Police ASAP and I'm a little shocked you have not done so already.

Another option is to contact other creditors who are in the same boat and perhaps contact one of the TV networks to see if one of their programs wants to investigate it. This would save you a lot of legwork.

I would not recommend using a solicitor any more in this matter as it's going to cost you an arm and a leg for something you can do yourself. There is nothing stopping you contacting the scammers solicitor direct for further information and the Police will keep you updated on any progress they make on the matter.