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.
According to published reports, a couple inherited a fairly sizeable of money. The husband was 58 and his wife 60, young enough to still work but both apparently suffered learning disabilities and had limited earning capacity. In other words, they really needed the money they inherited to live. Enter Hissan Dar, a 26 year old bank advisor at a suburban London bank. Dar convinced the couple to allow him to “manage” their money.
By now, you probably know how this story ends. Dar spent $115,000 US on gambling and shopping trips. That wasn’t enough, however. He also took out a $44,000 USD loan in their name. All told, the couple lost $168,000 before Dar was caught.
How was he caught? The couple went to the bank while Dar was on vacation (spending their money). When they asked to withdraw money they learned there was nothing left.
Dar was sentenced in June to three and half years in prison. Said Constable Martin Godsave, “Dar held a position of great trust but coldly used this to identify two vulnerable customers and callously exploit their trusting nature in order to get their money.
“He made numerous calls to them from his mobile and to their home, even outside of branch opening hours. The couple quickly came to feel Dar was like a son, even bringing him back gifts when they went on holiday. They trusted him and he took control of their accounts, frivolously spending their money on gambling without a thought for them. It’s shocking that he believed he could get away with it.”
Shocking yes but inheritance fraud is a common problem both here and abroad. Unlike this story, however, inheritance fraud usually involves family members and often goes unreported.
If a bank employee, stockbroker or other financial professional takes your money, their employers may be responsible. Either way, the person committing the inheritance fraud is always responsible.
If you are the victim of inheritance fraud, a forged will or money wrongfully taken from an estate, don’t delay. Unlike the folks in today’s post, often the only source of recovery is the thief him or herself. That means quick action is necessary to freeze assets before they are spent.
The fraud lawyers at Mahany & Ertl specialize in all types of fraud including forged wills and inheritance fraud. Let us help you get back what is rightfully yours or protect your loved one’s final wishes. For more information, contact attorney Brian Mahany at or by telephone at (414) 704-6731 (direct). All inquiries kept in strict confidence.
Mahany & Ertl – America’s Fraud Lawyers. Offices in Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Detroit, Michigan; Portland, Maine; Minneapolis, Minnesota and San Francisco, California. Services available in many jurisdictions.
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Posted by Brian Mahany