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Last broadcast on Sun, 15 Aug 2010, 20:30 on BBC News Channel (see all broadcasts).
Synopsis
Panorama investigates companies who make a good living from writing your Last Will and Testament, and exposes the shocking financial pitfalls that face unwary consumers. Is it time for this industry to be properly regulated by law?
Call for tighter will-writing laws as consumers duped
The private will-writing industry needs tighter regulation across Britain as consumers are losing thousands of pounds to charlatans, a Scottish minister says.
'Lying cheating scum' stole will money left to woman
In a series of uncovered will industry rip-offs, Panorama found two men at a will-writing firm stole money left to a Birmingham woman.
Robbed of 'life-changing' money left in a will
Mary Neenan never received the money she inherited from her former employer who had appointed Willmakers of Distinction as executors of his will.
Panorama reporter Vivian White finds out that her case is not unique in the private will writing industry which has no legal regulation in place.
'I'm surprised we were duped like this'
Jeanette Warren was sold a will package meant to include protection against care home fees.
But the will did not include the true wishes of Jeanette and her partner, and costs quickly spiralled, as she explained to Panorama reporter Vivian White.
The Legal Services Board's full response
Response from Affinity Wills
Join in the debate on Wills - the Final Rip Off?
Panorama 2000 to 2008
If you'd like to know more about Panorama programmes dating back to 2000, including features, transcripts, video content and more, please click on the link below.
Credits
- Presenter
- Jeremy Vine
- Reporter
- Vivian White
- Producer
- Stephen Scott
Broadcasts
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Mon 9 Aug 201020:30
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Thu 12 Aug 201004:30
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Fri 13 Aug 201001:10
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Sun 15 Aug 201020:30
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