An attorney in Bucks County, Pennsylvania has been indicted on charges that he stole almost $2 million from a deceased client’s estate. Prosecutors charged attorney Randolph Scott, 70, with mail fraud, aggravated identity theft, tax evasion and failure to file tax returns. If convicted on all the charges, he faces a minimum of 2 years […]
Ultimate Inheritance Fraud? Cops Exhume Chicago Lottery Winner, Fear Cyanide Poisoning
by Brian Mahany The registered trademark of the Illinois Lottery is the slogan, “Anything’s Possible.” Apparently that includes murder. This story comes courtesy of today’s Chicago Tribune. Cops in Chicago exhumed the body of Urooj Khan, a recent million dollar lottery winner. The medical examiner’s office originally ruled in July that Khan die of hardening […]
Lawyer, Accountant Implicated in Estate Fraud Case
by Brian Mahany Although I still believe the practice of law is a noble profession, the ambulance chasers and ethically challenged members of the Bar keep us pretty far down in public opinion polls. This story from Tennessee is not going to help change that undeserved reputation. Paul Porter and his son Joe built up […]
State Farm Agent Pleads Guilty To Inheritance Fraud
by Brian Mahany Ordinarily the inheritance fraud cases we see involve caregivers or family members that coerce an aging parent into signing a new will. Often it is an alert banker or financial professional that discovers the fraud. In this story, it is an insurance agent that apparently committed the fraud. Thomas Smith was an […]
Will Contests, Inheritance Fraud and Probate Fraud
by Brian Mahany Admittedly this is a dark post to be writing on Christmas day. While tens of millions of people are celebrating this joyous and most blessed holiday, other families are struggling with bitter feelings and anger. The death of loved one is difficult under any circumstances. Add fraud, forgeries and undue influence and […]