Dsresearchers

[knitnat]

My elderly mother has received a letter from DSResearchers saying that they are looking for her (provided her name, parents and grandparents names) as she could be entitled to some inheritence money. They want her to send copies of birth and marriage certificates. I have done a simple google search on them which didn't find anything bad about them but still very scepticle.Has anyone had any dealings with this company (if it is legit)? I have suggested she seek legal advice but she refuses. Any advice appreciated.

[ladyalex]

If you look on their website, they suggest that if you have been contacted by them and feel uneasy about it, then you can contact either your local Police or CAB who can confirm that they are a legitimate company and not scammers.

My rule of thumb when anyone offers money is , if they ask you for money upfront on the promise of more coming back to you, then it is a scam.

[andy-hughes]

If a stranger came up to you in the street and asked you to send them copies of your marriage and birth certificates - would you do it?

There's your answer then.

[atalanta]

A friend of mine has just received pots of money from a company like this. However, she had to sign an agreement to let them have a considerable proportion of a "lost" inheritance before they would give her any details. They didn't ask for any money up-front, just an agreement to share the loot. I suppose she could have done the genealogy to find who the great-uncle or cousin three times removed might have been, but it could be hard work. She decided three-quarters of a legacy ( rather than nothing at all ) was worth her signature on a contract.
Still, the citizen's advice bureau may help if you are unhappy about the situation.

[jno]

there are a few of these heir-hunters around, aren't there? What has your mother got to lose? If they ask for money up front, say no. If they ask for a cut of any proceeds, think about whether it's worth it to you. (For instance, if a small legacy turned up, would they get it all?)

I don't think it's a scam, it's a genuine business. There's some useful advice down the page here

http://lostcousins.com/newsletters/feb12news.htm

[ubasses]

This Company gives some advice about the questions you should ask.
http://www.titleresearch.com/Resources/Heir-hunters---know-your-rights

[Peter Pedant]

beware about the money-up-front bit

[Tuvok]

Having watched Heir Hunters on tv, they usually get copies of certificates from the Registrars.

Perhaps have a look at the lists yourselves - remember you don't need an
firm to make a claim for you.

https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/bona-vacantia