Beware! Estate Planning Fraud in Santa Clara is on the Rise

Identity theft is the fastest rising crime in America today. Criminal syndicates located overseas are gaining access to your personal information through a variety of tactics and using that information to open credit cards and bank accounts to buy products that they are then selling for profit.

Due to complex international laws most of these criminals are never prosecuted and you are left to deal with the aftermath. If you know anyone who has had their identity stolen, you know that the problems that arise from this can last years. These criminals have relied on hacking into computer systems to gain access to your personal information, but they have now turned to “phishing scams” where they trick you into giving them your personal information. The criminals will pose as IRS agents, credit card operators, and now estate planners.

When posing as estate planning lawyers, criminals in Santa Clara will use several different tactics. One common tactic is a telemarketing scam. On the phone they will exaggerate the benefits of estate planning, likely promising a tax free transfer of all your assets once you pass away.

Since they have no intention of making good on these promises they will tell you whatever you want to hear. They will aggressively insist that this offer is only good for a limited time and will do everything to keep you on the phone until you give over your personal information. They know once you get off the phone they will have lost you as a victim. As a general rule never give out your social security number over the phone.

Another common tactic is to use a mass marketing approach. They will send emails or sometimes letters through the regular mail. They will again over-promise what is legally possible in the hope that you will want to sign up. They will then ask you to send your personal information as well.

The bottom line is if the offer sounds too good to be true it usually is. If you have any doubt, always follow up with a qualified estate planner. Even if it is not a case of identity theft there are many companies that will oversell a flimsy, one-size-fits-all estate plan that may not even make it through the probate process.

If you are contacted by someone claiming to be a Santa Clara estate planner and they are asking for your personal information, you should contact us to review the information they sent you. You can call the office at (650) 422-3313 with any questions you may have regarding potential identity theft scams.