Someone contacted me claiming to be the executor of a relative's will and is asking for fees before releasing my share. Is this legitimate?
Genuine executors do not typically ask beneficiaries to pay fees upfront to receive an inheritance; any legitimate fees come out of the estate itself, so this pattern strongly suggests a scam.
Last reviewed: 5 July 2026
Explanation
In real estate administration, the executor or administrator manages the deceased's assets, pays any outstanding debts and taxes from the estate, and then distributes what remains to beneficiaries according to the will or inheritance law. Executor fees, probate costs, and taxes are all settled from the estate's own funds before distribution, not charged separately to beneficiaries as a condition of receiving their share.
Scammers impersonating executors, sometimes using a real deceased person's name found through an obituary or even impersonating a real, uninvolved solicitor, contact supposed beneficiaries claiming there is a 'processing fee,' 'inheritance tax,' or 'unlocking fee' required before funds can be released. Because the story involves a real recently deceased person, victims may not immediately question it, especially if they were not close to the family and don't know the real legal process.
If you genuinely believe you may be a beneficiary of an estate, the appropriate step is to contact the actual named executor or the probate court/registry directly using independently verified contact details, not through whatever number or email the contacting party provides.
Common red flags
- Request for payment before any inheritance is distributed
- Contact person cannot be verified through the actual probate court or registry
- Pressure to wire money quickly to avoid 'losing' the inheritance
- Inconsistent details about the deceased or the estate's value
- Refusal to provide a copy of the will or letters of administration
What to do now
- Contact the relevant probate court or registry directly to verify who the actual appointed executor is
- Ask for a copy of the grant of probate or letters of administration and verify it independently
- Never send money or personal financial details to release an inheritance
- Consult an independent solicitor if you believe you may genuinely be a beneficiary
- Report the contact to consumer protection or fraud authorities if it appears fraudulent
Frequently asked questions
Do executors ever legitimately ask beneficiaries for money?
Rarely, and only in specific circumstances like reimbursing a shared expense; standard executor and probate costs are paid from the estate itself, not charged to beneficiaries upfront.
How can I check who the real executor of an estate is?
Most jurisdictions maintain public probate records or a registry where you can search for a grant of probate tied to the deceased's name to confirm the appointed executor.