Beware of Scams: Protect Yourself and Your Estate!

On Behalf of | Jan 17, 2025 | Firm News |

In recent weeks, several of our clients have been targeted by fraudulent companies and deceptive schemes. Below are a few examples of scams we’ve encountered, along with important tips on how to protect yourself and your loved ones from falling victim.

  1. DCM Solutions: A Fake Company Preying on Vulnerable Individuals

We were recently alerted that two of our clients were contacted by a company called “DCM Solutions.” Thankfully, both clients reached out to us before taking any action. Based on our research, it appears that “DCM Solutions” is not a legitimate company, and its intentions are highly suspect.

While a legitimate debt collection agency, DCM Services, does exist, it is important to approach any debt collector with caution, especially in the context of probate. If you receive a call or letter from DCM Services or any other collection agency, please contact us immediately before making any decisions. We are here to help navigate the probate process and can assess whether the debt in question is legitimate, if it should be paid, and in what order.

Remember, there is a statutory order for the payment of estate debts, and you should never take action without consulting our office first. Always forward us any collection letters or notices you receive. It’s our job to protect you from scams and ensure that estate debts are handled correctly.

If you’d like to learn more about how we handle probate matters, we encourage you to attend our free Probate Practice Webinar. Details and registration can be found in link provided..

  1. Tax ID Scams: Don’t Pay for What’s Free

Another common scam we see involves the purchase of Tax Identification Numbers (TINs) from third-party websites. If you need a Tax ID for probate purposes, an Irrevocable Trust, or other estate matters, this service is always free through the federal government.

Some companies try to charge you for something that is available at no cost. The IRS provides Tax IDs for free, and we will handle this for you as part of our service. Do not pay anyone extra fees for something that is yours to claim at no cost.

  1. Deeds and Property Records: No Need to Overpay

A third scam involves companies offering to obtain copies of your property deeds for a fee. In the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, you can access your deed online through the Registry of Deeds free of charge. While there may be a nominal fee for obtaining a certified copy of your deed, you should never pay extra fees to third-party companies that claim to help you access this public information.

The Registry of Deeds charges enough for these services—there’s no need to overpay through an intermediary.

Protect Yourself: Contact Us First

If you ever feel uncertain about a call, letter, or service offering you something that seems too good to be true (or too expensive), please reach out to us before taking any action. Our goal is to protect you, and we can help you navigate these issues safely and efficiently.

If you’d like to learn more about how to protect yourself in probate or estate matters, we encourage you to register for our upcoming free Probate Practice Webinar. Click on link for more details or call 617-431-2669.

Susana Lannik