Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in California
Death beneficiary question
I just recently recieved an email from a lawyer regarding someone's death whom I don't know or have any relation to, but the lawyer says that their client is dead and so is the family, therefore wants me to become the beneficiary since I have the same last name. He says that there is a bank account with money in it which will be confiscated if no one claims it. Is it legal for me to do this or is it a scam? How is this usually taken care of.
3 Answers from Attorneys
Re: Death beneficiary question
In order to best address the issues presented in your inquiry, our office would be happy to provide you with a free 30 minute telephone consultation. Please feel free to contact our office, toll free, at 1.877.MOHEBAN. Ask for Vandy Moheban, Esq. www.lmapc.com
Re: Death beneficiary question
This is absolutely, positively a scam. What the "lawyer" proposes would be illegal and unethical if it were true - but it's not true, the "lawyer" is a scam artist who's trying to talk you out of money, or your bank account number.
See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Advance_fee_fraud#Inheritance_scam for more information.
If you want to file a complaint, you can do so here: http://www.ic3.gov/complaint/
Re: Death beneficiary question
In many states, the intestacy statutes specify which relatives of a decedent inherit in the absence of a will. Under such circumstances, merely having an identical last name, without any relation to the decedent, will not give rise to a right to inherit under such statute. For your particular circumstances, including an analysis of the law in your state, you should consult an attorney. --Linda
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