On the 8th July, the UK government pulled the plug on the Bona Vacantia list. This was the very tool used to help rightful heirs claim estates worth millions. Why? Because criminals found a way in. If you’ve ever hoped to uncover a forgotten inheritance or help a client do the same, this affects you.
What Is the Bona Vacantia List and Why Does It Matter
The Bona Vacantia list (Latin for “ownerless goods”) was published online by the UK Government Legal Department. It recorded the estates of people who:
- Died without a will (intestate)
- Had no known next of kin
- Whose assets would otherwise pass to the Crown
Genealogists, heir-hunters, and probate professionals used the list to trace family members and reunite them with estates worth thousands, sometimes millions.
But now? The list has been removed.
Forgery Scandal on Will List Force Government Crackdown
The government’s sudden decision to remove the list comes just days after the BBC announced it had launched an investigation due to an increase in fraudulent claims and fake Wills. Some of the key allegations that have been made are:
- Criminals were using forged wills to fraudulently claim estates
- Estates were being diverted away from reel heirs
- The digital probate system made it shockingly easy to get away with it
As Sir Bob Neill, former Chair of the Justice Committee warned:
“When you had regional offices, you had human scrutiny… An automated system isn’t good at doing that.”
Real Cases, Real Losses – A Growing List of Will Disputes
Take this unsettling case:
- Two sisters were contacted by heir-hunters, they were next in line to inherit.
- Suddenly, a Hungarian man presented a Will naming himself sole heir, claiming to be a “dear friend”.
However:
- The address didn’t exist when the will was dated
- The document had typos and formatting flaws
- The sisters were told:
“If you want to contest the will, bring a civil case.”
Justice? Denied. Inheritance? Gone.
A Digital Probate System Ripe for Abuse
Since 2017, the UK’s probate system has allowed online applications, intended to streamline the process. But this convenience created vulnerabilities.
Fraudsters could:
- Find an estate on the Bona Vacantia list
- Forge a Will claiming to be the beneficiary
- Submit it digitally
- Get probate granted and collect the money. All before legitimate heirs even know what’s happening! No checks or interviews.
What Happens Now?
With the Bona Vacantia list offline and the scandal under investigation, we’re in new territory.
What we expect:
- A review of digital probate safeguards
- Tighter checks on will validity and heir claims
- More scrutiny of genealogy and probate research practices
But for now, thousands of unclaimed estates sit in limbo, and families risk losing their rightful legacies.
What You Should Watch Out For
If you’ve been contacted about a possible inheritance, or you’re involved in probate, be alert:
Red Flags for Fraud:
- A Will appears suddenly after an estate is published
- The beneficiary has no obvious connection to the deceased
- Typo’s inconsistencies, or missing details in the Will
- Property details that don’t match reality
Protect Yourself: Key Steps
- Seek legal advice if a suspicious Will emerges
- Collect documentation: birth certificates, marriage records, family trees
- Keep detailed records of all communication
- Work with a trusted probate research company – don’t go it alone
Why Family Wise?
At Family Wise, we’ve spent over a decade uncovering hidden connections and protecting rightful heirs.
- We investigate every claim thoroughly
- We uncover fraud that others miss
- We support solicitors, councils, and individuals across the UK
- We fight for families, because your legacy matters
Whether you’re a potential beneficiary, a legal professional, or simply unsure where to turn, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
