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Analysis by accountancy firm KPMG has shown that fraud among families now comprises 80% of Crown Court cases, as children become impatient about receiving their inheritance from elderly parents.
The Daily Mail reports that as elderly people live longer, those aged over 65 are more like to be preyed on financially by their own family.
Cases heard so far this year involve more than £2 million – compared with £440,000 in 2014.
KPMG figures show that 75% of cases involving family theft of more than £100,000 involve defendants over the age of 45.
Hitesh Patel, from KPMG, said:
“Fraudsters in the family are abusing their intimate knowledge and close connections to steal from partners and parents.
“People are living longer – and we are seeing examples of people who are choosing to remove uncertainties about when or if they will get their inheritance by fraudulent means.
“It’s also likely these cases are just the tip of the iceberg – frauds of this nature often go unreported as embarrassed victims seek to ‘keep it in the family’ and ‘forgive and forget’.”
The research is based on fraud cases involving £100,000 or more, which went to trial between 1 January and 30 June 2015.
Duncan Lewis Fraud Solicitors
Duncan Lewis fraud solicitors can advise at any stage of a charge involving fraud – including family fraud, benefit fraud, company fraud, housing fraud or white collar crime.
There are Duncan Lewis offices nationwide – and a fraud lawyer can usually reach a police station for interview under caution within 45 minutes.
For expert legal advice on all fraud charges, call Duncan Lewis fraud solicitors on 020 7923 4020.
For 24/7 help at a police station, call the Duncan Lewis Emergency Hotline on 020 7275 2036.