Inheritance Under Attack: Fraudsters Exploit UK Probate Loopholes
- Maplebrook Services
- Aug 4
- 2 min read
In late 2023, sisters Lisa and Nicole were told they had inherited a life-changing sum from their late Aunt Christine. But before they could process the news, their inheritance was taken away.
A Case in Point: Christine’s Estate
Christine Harverson’s nieces were initially confirmed as beneficiaries to her estate, which included a Wimbledon property valued close to £1 million. However, the probate process came to a halt when a man unknown to Christine’s family appeared seemingly out of nowhere and presented a Will naming him as the sole heir to her estate. This document overturned the sisters’ claim, despite glaring inconsistencies.
There were obvious red flags:
Christine was housebound in 2016, the date on the Will, and rarely received visitors.
Her address was misspelled and the witness details were dubious.
The property listed for the man’s residence had not even been built when the Will was supposedly signed.
Despite presenting this evidence, Lisa and Nicole were told by the police and probate service that they would need to prove fraud themselves - through costly civil litigation.
Christine’s case is not isolated. Across the UK, there is growing evidence of organised fraudsters exploiting weaknesses in the probate system to claim estates fraudulently, steal property, and avoid millions in taxes.
How the Scam Works
When someone dies without leaving a Will (intestate), their estate is listed on the Bona Vacantia register - publicly available online. This list is essential for heir-finder companies who track down rightful heirs. Unfortunately, it is also a goldmine for fraudsters.
Criminals simply identify estates without a known heir, fabricate a Will, and apply for grant of probate. Since 2017, applications have been digitised, removing many safeguards that once deterred fraudulent claims. Probate relies heavily on trust, allowing forged documents to slip through unchecked.
Wider Patterns of Fraud
Christine’s case mirrors others investigated in the UK, where suspicious Wills have emerged naming unrelated individuals as heirs to high-value estates. Properties have been undervalued to avoid inheritance tax, and in some instances, forged documents have bundled unrelated properties into estates.
Evidence suggests a network of individuals - linked by handwriting, shared addresses and overlapping company registrations - are exploiting these vulnerabilities to steal assets and launder funds.
A System Under Pressure
Probate used to require executors to swear an oath in person, allowing registrars to assess legitimacy. Today, the process is fully online, with minimal verification. Experts warn that the system is now easy to exploit. As one investigator put it: “Goodness knows how many fraudulent cases have already gone through undetected - and how rich we’re making these people.”
Protecting Your Estate
These cases highlight a stark reality: any estate without proper legal protections is vulnerable to exploitation. Criminals target estates where no Will exists or where documentation can be easily forged.
At Maplebrook Services, we help clients avoid these risks by:
Drafting legally robust Wills that clearly state your wishes.
Providing secure Will storage to prevent tampering.
Offering probate support to ensure your estate is administered safely and efficiently.
Don’t leave your loved ones exposed to fraud. Plan ahead with expert help. Contact Maplebrook Services today to protect your estate and ensure your assets go to the people you choose.
Call us: +357 26 600780
Email: info@maplebrookservices.com
