Las Vegas Probate Scams
Local Newspaper Uncovers Huge Probate Scam
In early, 2024, the Las Vegas Review Journal published an article revealing a huge probate scam that has been going on for at least a decade.
The scammers work together to convince families that the Deceased’s property is worth much less than it is, that the family must sign certain paperwork, and that the family has few (or no) rights in the case.
This allows the scammers to sail through the court process and take over money and property - including homes - belonging to the dead person. They line the pockets of attorneys, accountants, real estate agents, and investors along the way.
You can read the article entitled, “Profiting Off the Dead” here: https://www.reviewjournal.com/investigations/selling-dead-peoples-homes-lucrative-for-some-but-what-about-the-heirs-2986851/
At Origins Legal Group, we have helped many families who called our office over the last eight years to “do their homework” and verify the truth of what the scammers are saying. Of course, we tell the families right away to steer clear of these bad guys and help them through the probate process so that the property goes to the rightful heirs.
For many families, unfortunately it is too late.
But for families who lose a loved one, this important article exposing the truth of probate scams in Las Vegas will help.
Use the tips on this page and view our other articles to make sure you do not end up a victim of a Las Vegas probate scam.
Common Tactics Used by Probate Scammers
To steal homes and property from the families of the deceased, probate scammers use some simple (and some complex) tactics.
The probate court process is complicated, and rest assured that these bad guys know how to navigate the system better than the families. But that doesn’t mean you can’t stop this from happening to you, because there are still some simple things that help these scammers get away with it.
By knowing these common ways probate scammers work, you can stop a theft before it starts.
The Probate Case Already Started
Scammers will usually go to court and open a probate case before the family does. They will ask that a friend (usually someone who sounds legitimate, like a CPA) be appointed as an executor.
Then, the scam artists eventually contact the family and say things like, “We couldn’t find you!” or “We are approved by the Court to help you in probate.”
Someone Claiming to be with the Court or Authorized by the Court Calls You
The family assumes that the Court is involved and the process is official, but that is not true. The Court never starts a probate or endorses anyone to act for a dead person. A case only starts when someone files at the courthouse.
If someone has already done that before the family, hire a probate lawyer immediately to help get that individual removed.
You are Asked to Sign Papers to Get Money Upfront and More Money Later
Another common tactic is that the scammers will say they are taking care of everything, and you just have to sign papers now so they can pay you your inheritance at the end. Sometimes they sweeten the deal by offering some money (like $5,000) upfront.
Reputable law firms do not pay you upfront and they do not make you sign any paperwork except that paperwork clearly identifies you as the executor.
They Called You; You Didn’t Call Them
Another common tactic is that someone who seems like a lawyer will call you directly, instead of you looking for a lawyer and booking a free consultation.
Be sure to ask their name and the spelling so you can check NVBar.org to verify that they are a legitimate attorney.
By the way, lawyers are not allowed to solicit (reach out) to people who may need a lawyer. Instead, people who need a lawyer must contact a law firm first. Therefore, scammers will have someone else (like a real estate agent) call, to get around this rule.
In that situation, be sure to ask whether the real estate agent is working with a law firm, and if so, which law firm that is.
The same is true for real estate agents. A reputable probate law firm should let you select the real estate agent who will sell the deceased’s house. They will not require you to use their preferred agent.
Protect Yourself from Probate Scams
There are many ways a probate scam can work, but usually it requires some participation of the family. By being informed of the information above, you can be sure you do not accidentally help a scammer.
Check out our articles below to learn more about how you can identify a scammer in probate, avoid your loved one’s property being stolen, and be sure you’re hiring a Las Vegas probate lawyer you can trust.