Beware of latest will writing scam

LAWYERS are urging people to beware of a will writing scam that cons them into paying for their wills to be rewritten. Letters have been sent, by an unregulated group of will writers, to a number of people across the UK saying that a rule change means their will is now invalid. It states that all wills need to be page numbered and signed by the testator and witness on every page. However, there has been no rule change and the false claims are being used to con people into paying for their wills to be rewritten. The Probate Registry has confirmed that the letters are inaccurate and wills only need to be signed and witnessed at the back.

The warning comes in the wake of a rise in adverts and cold calls from unregulated will companies, promising cut price wills.

Howard Burns, head of wills and probate at law firm Lewis Hymanson Small, said:

“This is one of a number of scams aimed at taking advantage of the most vulnerable. No new rules on the signing of wills so people should not be concerned.

“There are a number of bogus companies offering cheap wills that aren’t legally accurate. These can cause costly issues when an estate is divided. It’s not surprising that people respond to the scams as they want to ensure their financial affairs are in order. My advice is to always seek advice from a qualified solicitor.”