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April 20, 2026
News
You’ve Received a Letter about an inheritance – Is It Real or a Scam?
The average consumer nowadays is a savvy individual, so letters that tell us we might be in line for an inheritance or share of an inheritance are often viewed with suspicion.
In today’s world, most people are understandably cautious. So when a letter lands on your doormat claiming you may be entitled to an inheritance, it’s natural to ask one very important question: If you’ve received a letter, is it a scam, or is it trustworthy?
We regularly hear from people who are wary of inheritance letters, having read stories about fraudsters persuading victims to hand over personal or banking details, only for their money to disappear. No one wants to take that risk — and neither should they.
So, if you’ve received a letter from Finders International, here’s what it really means, how probate researchers work, and how you can verify that the contact is genuine.
Why Am I Being Contacted About an Inheritance?
Where correspondence is received from Finders International, it is generally the result of probate research undertaken in connection with an estate, which has identified a possible entitlement. Of course, if you suddenly received a letter, thoughts like ‘Is it a scam?’ might come to mind.
In order to understand how this situation arises, it may be helpful to outline the role of probate researchers. Such researchers — sometimes referred to as heir hunters or genealogists — are commonly instructed by:
- Solicitors
- Local authorities
- Health boards
- Executors and administrators of estates
Their role is to trace missing or unknown next of kin so that an estate can be distributed lawfully and in accordance with the relevant rules.
What Does “Died Intestate” Mean?
In many cases, probate researchers become involved because the person who has died did not leave a valid will. This is known as dying intestate.
When someone dies intestate, the law determines who is entitled to inherit. These rules vary depending on the country in which the person lived, but they set out a clear order of entitlement. If you have received a letter in this kind of situation, always consider: is it a scam or not?
However, if no immediate family members are known, establishing who those entitled relatives are can become complicated and time‑consuming. This is often the point at which specialist probate researchers are asked to assist.
Why Am I Being Contacted About an Inheritance?
If you’ve received correspondence from us or another firm, it’s because probate research investigations suggest that you may be entitled to benefit from an estate. That being said, after you received a letter, is it a scam—how can you be sure?
Professional probate researchers (also known as heir hunters or genealogists) are instructed by:
- Solicitors
- Local authorities
- Health Boards
- Executors and administrators of estates
Our role is to trace missing or unknown next of kin so an estate can be distributed lawfully and correctly.
Is an Inheritance Letter a Scam? How to Check
A healthy level of scepticism is sensible. If any company contacts you claiming you may be entitled to money, there are steps you can take to ensure it is not a scan. Also, whenever you have received a letter, is it a scam or is it something to be trusted? Read more on how you can protect yourself against a scam here.
How Finders International Operates
Finders International has longstanding experience in the tracing of heirs, carried out in accordance with professional and ethical standards. Contact is made only where probate research has identified a possible entitlement. As part of wider fraud‑awareness efforts, many researchers have also received Friends Against Scams training to help recognise potential scam activity and understand appropriate steps to take if concerns are identified.
There is no obligation to proceed, and we actively encourage individuals to take their time, carry out checks and seek independent advice if they wish.
If you’d like to speak to a member of our team, contact us here.
