Conmen in Staffordshire in bogus wills scam
CONMEN are scaring Midlanders into parting with tens of thousands of pounds to buy bogus wills.
Trading Standards officers say they are dealing with an “increasing number” of complaints from people who have been duped.
Typically the fraudsters tell residents their wills are invalid and need to be rewritten due to changes in the law.
At the same time people who don’t have a will are also being targeted by firms offering to write their wills for a bargain price, but their bill ends up being “far more costly” than at first suggested.
Staffordshire County Councillor Ben Adams, cabinet member for communities and culture, said once so-called will-writers get people to hand over cash on the spot, they either never receive the will promised or find it’s not worth the paper it’s written on.
He said: “People who have already made wills are being scared into thinking that they need to be re-written due to a change in the law.
“This is not the case and it is causing many people to hand over their cash to these unscrupulous companies when they don’t need to.”
Councillor Adams added: “Some advice for first-time will makers is to explore all the options and check with local solicitors to see how much they charge and what you’re entitled to so that you can make an informed, unpressurised decision.
“It’s also important to emphasise that people shouldn’t feel forced into letting people into their home and should know what their rights are when it comes to doorstep selling.
“Many of these companies will often target the most vulnerable people and use high pressure sales techniques to convince them that they need this service.”
* If people are worried that they have been conned they can contact Consumer Direct for advice on 08454 04 05 06 or www.consumerdirect.gov.uk
