My Father passed away on Nov. 18th we buried him the day before Thanksgiving. Yesterday I recieced a phone call from a woman claiming to be handling his will. She informed me that I was in his will. I snaped that "I know that." I told her that Dad's will had not even gone into Probate yet! She asked me for my date of birth!I told her that I wouldn't give that information over the phone. She then asked for my address and like a fool I gave it to her! Can she get any important information from me because of address? I am worried, should I be? Dad was 90 years old so I think people like her would figure that his Children would be seniors.
I called my brother who told me that The lawyers had told him that we should nerver give any information whatsoever and I gave this Lady my address so she could send me papers or so she claimed.
2007-12-07 01:48:35 · 7 answers · asked by Pamela V 7 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
If all you gave her was your address, there is no cause for you to feel bad. She could have gotten your address from numerous sources anyway. What she really wanted was your SS# and date of birth.
2007-12-07 02:19:36 · answer #1 · answered by Bette 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm very sorry for your loss.
I wouldn't be concerned if all you gave her was your address.
You should be aware of which attorney is handling your father's will, and only speak to that person. It is totally acceptable to handle all private information either in person or via mail. Personally, I gave my information over the phone when my father passed away, but both my mom and I knew the lawyer beforehand and gfelt comfortable doing so.
They usually act quick - took two days for the attorney to reach out to me. They have to do this in order to settle his affairs.
Wait and see if you get the promised papers in the mail, but I wouldn't be worried if I were you.
2007-12-07 10:00:41 · answer #2 · answered by KB 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Well, depending on what kind of company she works for, she can get a decent amount of information from that address (like, if she illegally used her work computer and has some kind of clearance). I do know that she can look that address up on several websites and get your name, then do a background check on your name, and for a small fee she can get all kinds of public records information. If she does anything illegal with it, it will be up to you to fight it. If you get the papers she claimed she was going to send, look up whatever company she represents on the Better Business Bureau website. And, if it appears to be some kind of scam, call a lawyer (one that gives a free consultation).
2007-12-07 10:02:55 · answer #3 · answered by kathleenjohnson 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Did your father have a lawyer administering his will? i would give them a call and get a heads up to see if anyone from that office called you looking for your address. The only fraud i could think of would be if some one looked in a newspaper, saw your fathers name in the obituaries then called the next of kin fishing for information. i would be very careful of people who call up and say "im mary from xyz credit card company are you woman at 123 your street? i have your social security number as 123-45-6789 is that correct? no it isn't? what is it then?... etc"
2007-12-07 10:00:03 · answer #4 · answered by Robert G 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, I think you should call a lawyer for fee information so you can fell better. I think you'll be alright but do call . You are right about scam artists. They are a ruthless bunch! If there is a next time hang up! Better yet, say "Please hold." and walk away from your phone and leave them siting and waiting.LOL! Get Caller I.D. it is worth the extra cost.
2007-12-07 12:50:45 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Simply put; if you ever find your self in a situation where you think it might be wise to speak to an attorney then, the answer is always YES; you should call a lawyer. The first call should be free of charge; but do be careful; unless you are paying him to listen as your legal adviser/attorney; "client-attoney" confidentiality does not apply.
2007-12-07 10:06:36 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
do you have caller ID? Can you find out the number that called you and call it back or trace where it came from? I dont think your address can give someone any important info like soc sec # and other personal things like that.
2007-12-07 09:59:29 · answer #7 · answered by ruth e 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋