Police warn against London company

Press, 18 October 1986, Page 4

Police warn against London company

PA Auckland The police have warned people to steer clear of a London company offering shares in wealthy Britons’ estates. Several families have been sent letters by a company called the Beneficiary Search Commission.

They have been told they may be related to a Fred Roberts who recently died in England

without leaving a will. For a fee of $76 and a 7.5 per cent share of any money recovered the company offered to investigate claims to the late Mr Roberts’ estate. Investigations had shown that the London area code given on Beneficiary Search Commission’s letterhead was false and its letters, signed P. Cunningham, director, contained other inaccuracies, said Senior-Sergeant Tony Bouchier. Interpol told the police the Red Lion Square, London, address was the subject of numerous inquiries and complaints, but no charges were laid. A hard-sell consumer goods company, offering cash and free goods to prospec-

tive customers, also worked from there. In a letter dated July 2 sent to the Roberts family of Henderson, P. Cunningham said the commission was “involved in tracing relatives of United Kingdom residents who have died intestate and where the identifiable effects accruing to the estate form a substantial amount.” The Henderson family members have told the police they had no relative called Fred from whom they could expect money. They were told in the letter “there is a possiblity” they may have a claim on the estate. Included was a questionnaire asking for information on other family members overseas.