PathAfter FAQ
Estate and Property Fraud
Focused answers for people handling the first days, paperwork, and follow-up steps after a death in California.
Start checklistSurviving spouse, financial predators, and digital estate
What is deed theft and how does it happen after a death?Criminals file fraudulent documents with the county recorder to transfer a deceased person's property to themselves. It is more common than most people realize. Protect against it by recording the correct transfer of title promptly after death and signing up for the…How do I set up a property fraud alert in California?Most California county recorders offer a free recording notification service — you register your name and receive an email or alert whenever a document is recorded in your name. Search "[your county] property fraud alert" to find the registration page. This does…What are contractor scams targeting surviving spouses?Contractors solicit homeowners who have recently lost a spouse — often by reading obituaries — offering repairs, inspections, or cleanup services. Common scams: demanding large upfront payments and disappearing, performing unnecessary or fake work, filing mechanic's liens on the property. Never hire…What is an estate sale scam?Fraudulent estate sale companies that take a high commission (sometimes 40–50%), remove valuable items before the sale, or fail to pay the estate the proceeds. In California, estate sale companies are not licensed — there is no state oversight. Vet any estate…What if someone claims the deceased owed them money?They must file a formal creditor claim against the estate during probate. You are not required to simply pay anyone who calls claiming to be a creditor. Ask for written documentation of the debt. During probate, the court oversees all creditor claims…What are fake debt collectors and how do I identify them?Scammers call surviving family members claiming the deceased owed money and demanding immediate payment. Real debt collectors must send a written validation notice within 5 days of first contact. You have the right to request written verification of the debt. A surviving…What is heir hunting and is it legitimate?Heir hunters (also called heir finders or heir locators) contact people claiming they are entitled to an inheritance — for a fee, often 30–50% of the inheritance. In California, heir locator fees are limited by law to 3% of the estate's gross…What if someone shows up claiming to be owed something from the estate?Do not make any payments or agree to anything without written documentation and verification. If you are the executor, direct them to file a formal creditor claim with the probate court. If you are not the executor, refer them to whoever is…What is a living trust mill and why should I avoid one?A scam where salespeople — often posing as financial planners or estate attorneys — pressure grieving or elderly people into buying expensive living trusts they may not need, or substandard trusts that do not accomplish the stated purpose. In California, only licensed…What about investment advisors who contact me after my spouse dies?Be extremely cautious. Unsolicited outreach after a death is a red flag. Financial predators specifically target surviving spouses who have just inherited assets and may not understand investments. Before working with any financial advisor, verify their credentials at FINRA BrokerCheck (brokercheck.finra.org) and…