Got scammed - estate solicitor not helping

maninthestreet

marktms wrote: »

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.

Have you tried ringing his mobile phone again to see if he answers?

marktms

I know this now keeps getting better and better and you all have my permission to have a hearty laugh on my behalf. You wouldn't be the first. In fact this story sometimes helps to liven up the average dinnertime.

I met him at B&Q in Reading. Apparently he "donated" his earnings at B&Q to charity because he "didnt really need it". I know, I should have run a mile!

FSA? Nope, nothing of the sort. This was a private individual. The more I think of this the more I realise how stupid I have been and in some way, typing it all out here is not only a bit therapeutic but also very sombering.

I know his sons contact details, where he lives etc, but to all extents and purposes he son "wasnt involved". I have to assume innocent unless proven guilty.

As far as paper work goes. Everytime I gave him money, I was given a sheet of paper a few days later with the details on it, with an embossed stamp, and his solictors signature, saying he was a witness etc. He never actuallt witnessed any of these, as these bits of documentation were done independantly of things and in all the cases, retrospectively.

I guess my decision now is; do I go to the police as the victim of a crime, or do I get on with my life and never do something so dumb again.

lcharm

Do get the police involved!! Especially have his son investigated because everything sounds fishy! If they find his father is really deceased then they'll let you know and that would be the end of it. But get his son involved by all means, he could have played a big part in all of this! And if you can get in contact with other victims of the scam then it's even better! What's the worst that could happen notifying the police? They may even already know about this guy and his "aliases" if there are any!

And post it to BBC watchdog too!

marktms

Yes, I did try it...blocking my ID ofcourse and its disconnected. If he was still using it, he probably got tired of all the threats from the unhappy victims.

marktms

Wow, thanks for all the input guys.

To reply to lcharm

I think its time I went "downtown". The more I think about it the more I realise the son may well be complicit. Having done a bit of a stakeout, I couldn't help noticing the imposing mansion wherein his Lordship dwells.

marktms

Youre right wizar, and others. I think I will involve the police. As you say, it will save me a lot of money and time...and they have the resources.
Thanks

wizard5353 wrote: »

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.

paulsin

marktms wrote: »

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.

Definition of greed:
'excessive desire to acquire or possess more (especially more material wealth) than one needs or deserves '

If you are willing to risk 15k for a return then I wouldn't class you as greedy myself. I wouldn;t daer risk that amount of money, so in a way you deserve it as you were willing to take that risk.

This is not just simply a case of trying to aquire more money for no reason. You were trying to grow some savings. Does that mean that people who chose an account with a higher savings rate are greedy? No! They are just trying to get the most more their moeny. Good luck with everything. You were scammed, not because you were greedy, but because you were trusting. This whole site is for people trying to save money, and maximise their savings, calling you greedy on this site is fairly hypocritical. Good Luck!

terryw

A complaint to the Law Society about the solicitor who will not reply to either you or your solicitor is in order. This is unprofessional conduct. If he is dealing with the administration of the estate then at the least he should provide the place and date of death.

terryw

marktms

Thanks paulsin

Yes, I am a very trusting, and might add, law abiding citizen. I was presented with something that appeared legit and used my hard earned money to invest in something I trusted would give me a return.

Based on your definition below, I have to agree, even to say it myself, about myself, I dont measure up to that definition of greed. I took a risk and it didn't pay off. Quite similar to the stock market I suppose.

paulsin wrote: »

Definition of greed:
'excessive desire to acquire or possess more (especially more material wealth) than one needs or deserves '

If you are willing to risk 15k for a return then I wouldn't class you as greedy myself. I wouldn;t daer risk that amount of money, so in a way you deserve it as you were willing to take that risk.

This is not just simply a case of trying to aquire more money for no reason. You were trying to grow some savings. Does that mean that people who chose an account with a higher savings rate are greedy? No! They are just trying to get the most more their moeny. Good luck with everything. You were scammed, not because you were greedy, but because you were trusting. This whole site is for people trying to save money, and maximise their savings, calling you greedy on this site is fairly hypocritical. Good Luck!

marktms

Terry, you are right and thanks for that. I am going to do it, as well as now involving the police. A crime was committed here and criminals deserve justice.

terryw wrote: »

A complaint to the Law Society about the solicitor who will not reply to either you or your solicitor is in order. This is unprofessional conduct. If he is dealing with the administration of the estate then at the least he should provide the place and date of death.

terryw