Issue Date:  -  Monday, 3 July 2000

Consumers warned on will letters from UK

The Ministry of Fair Trading has warned West Australians to disregard letters from London claiming the recipients may benefit from a substantial will.

The Ministry has received between six and 10 calls a day since late last week from consumers who have received such a letter in the mail and have been unsure what to do.

Commissioner for Fair Trading Patrick Walker said the letter, from a firm called Estates General Promulgatus, asked people to send 18 Pounds in the post to receive ‘a primary brief’ about who is an entitled relative.

British authorities advise that the firm is not affiliated with nor is it an agent of any government authority that deals with deceased estates.

The Treasury Solicitors office in London deals with intestate estates and there is no charge for this service.

The letters, which refer to amounts between 90,000 - 240,000 Pounds, read: ‘Each year, millions of dollars of unclaimed funds from intestate estates revert to the crown’.

"Estates General Promulgatus is currently under investigation by the Police Fraud Squad and the Westminster Trading Department, which is the London equivalent to the Ministry of Fair Trading," Mr Walker said.

"I would advise consumers not to part with their money," he said.

Our investigation has established that Bona Vacantia Promulgatus of the same London address sent virtually identical letters to New Zealand consumers, with information that was found to be false.

“Unless the executor of a will has contacted you directly, you should be suspicious of any such offer,” Mr Walker said.

The Ministry of Fair Trading also generally recommends that people avoid sending money overseas, unless they have first checked out the firm’s bona fides.

People who feel they may be a beneficiary to a UK estate are advised to contact the Treasury Solicitors office at Queen Annes Chambers 28 Broadway London SWI.

Consumers wanting further advice on this or any related matter can ring the Fair Trading Call Centre on 1300 30 40 54 or send an email to consumer@docep.wa.gov.au.

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Hayley Mayne
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