CAB warning over bogus wills (From Somerset County Gazette)

CAB warning over bogus wills

11:58am Thursday 21st February 2008 in News By Phil Hill

PEOPLE in the Taunton and Wellington area are being warned to avoid bogus will writers preying on the elderly and vulnerable.

Taunton and District Citizens Advice Bureau has received information about cold calls and adverts promising cut-price wills that turn out to be anything but.

Liz Fothergill, manager of the bureau in Station Road, Taunton, said many people are lured into paying £24 through hard sell tactics and then never receive a will.

In other cases, they do receive a document, but it turns out to be worthless.

Mrs Fothergill said: "Bureaux around the country are seeing the public being conned into parting with their cash by people offering cheap will-writing.

"Often costs mount up, their wishes are not expressed or the will may not even be legally valid.

"If local people are approached, it is advisable to explore all the options, like checking with local solicitors to find out how much they charge.

"If you find or feel you have been conned, contact us for advice or contact your local Trading Standards through Consumer Direct."