Trial by Internet? Mother's Inheritance Stolen by Best Friend

April 24, 2008 - PRLog -- Media inquiries: email or phone

                            Trial by Internet? Mother’s Inheritance Stolen by Best Friend

CHICAGO – When his mother’s inheritance was apparently stolen by his belated stepfather’s best friend, author Ian Coburn was shocked to learn from authorities that such incidents occur frequently. It’s a crisis that flies under the radar.

Apparently, many of today’s seniors don’t trust banks, a result of being born and raised during the Great Depression. They leave their life savings in safe deposit boxes, often with a best friend’s name on the box for added security measures. While the widow grieves, the best friend empties the box, leaving her penniless. “While you’re grieving, they’re thieving,” notes Ian Coburn.

If it occurs thousands of times annually, how come nobody seems to know about it until it happens to them? Typically, the thieving friend settles out of court, returning half the ill-gotten funds, 40% of which the widow then pays to her attorney. She walks away with approximately 30% of her rightful inheritance and everyone signs a non-disclosure agreement. The best friend disappears into the night with 50% of the widow’s inheritance, clear and free. And the non-disclosure agreement precludes anyone from warning the public or contacting the media.

In an effort to immediately warn the public of this epidemic, Ian created a website on April 1st, sharing the full story of the loss of his mother’s inheritance. In an added twist, the site invites viewers to vote on the perpetrator’s guilt or innocence after reviewing posted documented evidence. Could this be a new wave? Trial by Internet? Currently, 130 votes have been cast.

The site is www.saveinheritance.com. Visitors to the site are encouraged to use it to segue way into a discussion of the arrangements for their demise, as well as their parents’ and grandparents’, where applicable.

Ian also plans to write a book on the subject, sharing his mother’s story, as well as several others. The book will provide simple steps, like freezing safe deposit boxes, which a widow can use to protect her inheritance. It will also describe the proper ways and options to leave an inheritance and create a will; in simple, layman language. The proceeds from the book will go toward replacing his mother’s inheritance, so that she can hopefully keep her house and be taken care of throughout her golden years. The book is tentatively titled “Who Do you Trust? How Best Friends Steal Entire Inheritances and What you Must Know to Protect Yourself and Loved Ones.”

Ian Coburn is the author of the surprisingly successful small press book “God is a Woman: Dating Disasters.” The book has been so successful it was released abroad in Russian earlier this month. (Very rare for the genre.)

Ian is available for interviews and questions regarding stolen inheritances. He is anxious to share the story and important tips to save others from the emotional roller coaster his mother now rides. You may learn more at www.saveinheritance.com and contact him directly at iancoburn@hotmail.com or via us at 773-477-7528.

Firefly Glow Publishing