Recent Scam in Washington Highlights the Need for Proper Estate Planning

You’ve probably heard it a dozen times before: You should always try to avoid dying with a Will. When explaining why this is so important, estate planning lawyers in Spokane often mention the challenges of intestate succession and the expensive probate process. However, a recent case in Washington shows that dying without a Will can also expose you to serious scams. If you don’t write a Will and choose a personal representative, someone could theoretically take control of your estate.

Police Searching for Man Who Stole From Deceased People in Washington

In March of 2025, various sources reported that law enforcement officials in Washington were searching for a man accused of stealing millions from deceased people. The scheme spanned five years, and it involved the defendant and his co-conspirators somehow gaining access to family estates after people had passed away.

Perhaps the most important detail of this scheme is the fact that the man specifically targeted people who had passed away without a Will. Once he had selected his target, the man filed a petition to become the estate’s personal representative. For whatever reason, the probate court granted hundreds of these petitions – allowing the man and his co-defendants to steal everything.

Once one of the defendants had been appointed as the personal representative of the estate, they would go through their personal belongings. After picking out the most valuable items, the criminals simply dropped everything else at the local dump – including potentially sentimental items. They also drained bank accounts and sold off the homes of the recently deceased – all while failing to notify the rightful heirs.

The fact that they were able to do this to over 200 families certainly raises a few eyebrows. One might argue that the probate court shoulders some responsibility for this oversight, despite this clearly criminal behavior. That being said, it is worth stressing once again that these crimes only affected people who had failed to write Wills. As long as you write a Will and choose a trustworthy personal representative, your family is protected from this type of scam.

Of all the steps in preparing a Will, choosing a personal representative is one of the most important. This individual will have considerable control over your assets, and they may be able to carry out all kinds of misconduct. As this recent controversy illustrates, it is theoretically possible for a complete stranger to become your personal representative if you do not explicitly select one yourself.

Can a Spokane Estate Planning Lawyer Help Me Write a Will? 

Yes, a Spokane estate planning lawyer should be able to help you write a Will. This process shouldn’t take long, and it may provide you with significant peace of mind given recent scams in Washington. To take the next step, consider scheduling a consultation with Moulton Law Offices today.

Sources: 

seattletimes.com/seattle-news/law-justice/tacoma-man-on-the-run-in-probate-for-profit-scheme-ags-office-says/

thenewstribune.com/news/local/crime/article301642614.html