Probate Fraud
Table of Contents

There are two types of probate fraud and both have devastating consequences.

Family-on-family crime. The victims say when the thief/predator/con/ is a family member, forget about getting justice. Most victims report being told by prosecutors and or law enforcement, "We don't get involved in family matters." The common weapon is the Power of Attorney.

Probate System/Courts. Its victims call it the Probate Pit. Your life's savings is wiped out from greedy public/court appointed guardians, who strip the victim's assets. Probate judges are contributing to the crime by refusing to allow auditors, according to AARP.

Family members say their pleas for justice are met with prosecutors/attorneys/judges accusing them of being greedy or accusing them of vile acts against the elderly and that is why the public guardian or court appointed private guardian must take control.

Power of Attorney: Weapon of Choice for Thieves

It's costly, near impossible to undo the fraud, and your chances for justice are zero. It the Power of Attorney and its the most commonly used way to fraud people.

This article discusses what constitutes power of attorney fraud and the problems inherent in such cases. It also offers advice in handling these cases. Finally, it suggests ways to decrease the number of financial exploitation crimes.

The Perfect Crime

When Kathy and Paul Fox secretly used a homemade power of attorney to steal Rob and LaVerne's estate, the children learned too late the worst action they took was seeking help from El Dorado County's Public Guardian Sally Liedholm, who was up to her eyebrows in scandal and allegations of misappropriating funds.

"I can't say the system failed our family," said Kirk, the son of Rob and LaVerne. "Because that makes it sound like they tried to help but failed. No, the system reared its ugly head, smacked us down for daring to seek justice, and then it got in bed with the Foxes to help cover up the crimes."

Power of Attorney Abuse

The blind Deborah Sue Owen says she thought she could trust her family, so she gave a power of attorney to her mother. She also believed she was safe from predators because there would be justice for the bad guys. She was wrong on both beliefs.

Use of a power of attorney to commit fraud is so common, it is epidemic. Yet, prosecutors commonly tell victims, "We don't get involved in family matters." In Sue's case, she lost her home, and now accuses her mother of duping her.

For Love or Money

Brooke Astor has had it all: Married with children, social life, great philanthropy work, and a long life, and still alive at 104 years old.

She's the heir of the banking giant, J.P. Morgan, who created Chase Manhattan Bank.

But now, instead of adorning the front pages of the New York Times as the socialite and then philanthropist, she's on the cover for elder abuse and her grandson is accusing Brooke's son of frauding her out of millions to fund his businesses.

Failed Probate System

Probate Pit

Colonel Farrel Hupp proudly served his country in World War II and for decades thereafter. But his country failed him when he had a bad day that turned into a life time of misery because he got lost in the Probate Court system.

Adult Guardianship = Abuse and Fraud

They've come out swinging. They're mad as hell, and they're organizing. Florida has organized to stop the predatory practices of guardianships, adult protective services, and the exploitation of the elderly. They are putting the word out that money won't protect you. It just makes you a target for greedy professional guardians.

AARP: The Magazine, January/February 2004: "...greedy professional guardians can wreak havoc on a far larger scale. In many states, such as Florida, there are few prerequisites for entering the guardianship business: no special training, no licensing process, no enforceable professional standards."

You're Not Alone

" No one understands what I am going through." ---- "I am financially ruined from the probate fraud."

You're not alone. It is common to feel angry about the injustice, feel betrayed by the system, and be depressed about being victimized. WJFA is operated by volunteer fraud victims denied justice. We understand how you feel. We're here if you need to talk or need support.