Rising Risks: Navigating Probate & Divorce Asset Frauds

The Expert Podcast

Fastest Growing Area of Fraud: Family Law Fraud

• Family Law fraud has been rapidly increasing, especially in the last 12-18 months. This includes fraud related to divorce, probate, and even newborns.

Fraud in Divorce Cases

• Asset Concealment: Both parties in a divorce may try to hide assets to get a bigger share of the settlement.
• Common methods include:
  • Hidden bank accounts (including ones in relatives' or friends' names).
  • Hiding vehicles, real estate, or business assets.
  • Overpaying taxes to receive a refund after the divorce.
  • Diverting funds into cryptocurrency, casino chips, or high-value items like Rolex watches.
• Probate Fraud
  • Fraud often occurs after a loved one passes away. Family members or executors may conceal assets to steal from the estate, such as:
    • Bank accounts, real estate, antiques, or vehicles.
    • Writing checks, transferring property titles, or hiding valuable items.
  • Importance of Asset Searches: Ensure assets are properly accounted for and respected according to the deceased's will.

Fraud Related to Newborns

• Synthetic Identity Fraud: Scammers may use a newborn's Social Security number to open credit accounts and ruin their credit score before they even begin life.
• Protecting Your Child's Identity:
  • Freeze or lock the child’s credit and monitor it regularly.
  • Ensure their Social Security number is protected from identity theft.
• Get Detailed and Professional Help
  • In all cases, consider professional asset searches and tracing to ensure fairness and transparency in family law matters.
• More Content and Events
  • For more on fraud, including live events, visit our other YouTube channels: actualhuman.com and describe.tv.
  • Engage with our community and share your own experiences in the comments.

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