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 […]
Estate Fraud – Breach of Fiduciary Duty
As the first baby boomers are now reaching retirement age, we are seeing an increase in the numbers of powers of attorney given to a relative or close family friend. Under the law of most states, the person who holds that power of attorney has a fiduciary duty to the person who granted the power. […]
Inheritance Fraud – It's Worldwide Problem
Usually the cases of inheritance fraud we deal with occur when a caregiver or greedy relative alters the will of a loved one or simply fails to turn over assets after death. Forged wills are another common occurrence. Unfortunately the problem is worldwide. This story details just how sneaky and dishonest some people can be. […]
89 Year Old Millionaire Heads To Prison For Inheritance Fraud
Anthony Marshall, age 89, will soon be the oldest person in New York to start serving a prison sentence for a nonviolent felony. His crime? Marshall was convicted of stealing money from his mother’s estate while she suffered dementia. The mother, famed New York philanthropist Brooke Astor, died at the age of 105. Marshall’s age […]
Silent Screams – America's Growing Elder Abuse Problem
Elder Abuse – It’s not exactly a household word. While everyone has a mental picture of what that term means, most people don’t know how widespread the problem has become. The very victims are often unable to report the problem – if they even know they are being victimized. Those that do realize that they […]
Dad Squanders Daughter's Inheritance, Bank Liable
by Brian Mahany A 41 year old Florida man was arrested after being accused of stealing his daughter’s $58,000 inheritance. Published reports and court records reveal that Willie Lockridge was the father of the victim. Apparently the victim’s mother died in 2011 and left almost $59,000 to her daughter. The girl’s uncle was court appointed […]
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 […]