For the last few weeks, we’ve discussed celebrities and how they planned for their deaths. We started with the King of Pop, Michael Jackson, so ending our 4-part series with the King of Rock, Elvis Presley, seems fitting.
You may be wondering why I’ve chosen to talk about a man who’s been dead since 1977. The reason is that a recent case involving Graceland shows how bold scammers can be. This case is a wake-up call for anyone who owns property or stands to inherit it. So, let’s jump into this bizarre tale to uncover what you can learn about protecting your assets from the unscrupulous actors around you.
How It Went Down
You might think that a well-known property like Graceland would be untouchable, but that didn't stop a mysterious company from trying to steal it. A group calling itself Naussany Investments and Private Lending claimed that Graceland's owners owed them millions from an old loan. They even set a date to auction the property to the highest bidder. But there was just one problem – the whole thing was a scam.
Riley Keough, Elvis's granddaughter and the current owner of Graceland, quickly fought back. She filed a lawsuit, saying her mother, Lisa Marie Presley, never borrowed money from this company or put Graceland up as collateral. The courts agreed, stopping the sale just in time. Keough’s swift action got the attention of the Tennessee Attorney General’s office, which then turned over the case to the FBI, and a federal investigation is pending.
Unfortunately, there’s been a rise in these types of scams, and they aren’t just targeted at the rich and famous. Scammers are adept at taking advantage of those of us who have never had a top-10 hit. A Wall Street Journal article published on June 3, 2024, breaks down a typical scenario, which is on point:
“Here’s how it works: A fraudster targets your house and assumes your identity, using tactics similar to identity thieves to acquire your personal information and create fake IDs. He or she then tries to sell it to an unsuspecting buyer by executing a forged deed in your name. An alternative scam is to submit a mortgage application in your name to get cash out of the house.”
Often, people don’t find out this has happened until the sale is complete and by then, it may be too late to get the property back. Or at least it would be very time-consuming and costly. Some people cannot fight back because they don’t have the financial resources to do so. The results can be utterly heartbreaking.
If it can happen to Graceland, it can happen to you. So, how can you spot these scams before they spin out of control?
Red Flags You Can’t Ignore
When you're dealing with property, loans, and estate planning, keep your eyes peeled for these warning signs:
Paperwork problems: In the Graceland case, the documents had all sorts of issues. Dates didn't match up, signatures looked fishy, and the notary said she never met Lisa Marie Presley. Always read the fine print and question anything that looks off. You should also consult with a lawyer immediately if you suspect something fishy. A lawyer can confirm your suspicions and help you take action right away.
Ghost companies: According to the news articles, Naussany Investments was hard to pin down. They had no real address, just P.O. boxes, and weren't registered as a business anywhere. Before you deal with any company, especially for something as important as a loan, do your homework. Look them up online, check with the Better Business Bureau, and don't be afraid to ask probing questions.
Timing: The scammers waited until after Lisa Marie Presley passed away to make their move. Be extra cautious about any claims against a deceased person's estate – fraudsters often target families when they're most vulnerable.
Steps You Can Take to Protect Yourself
Know that you can take proactive action to protect yourself and your loved ones, before you notice red flags. Here are some practical steps to ensure your property is protected:
Keep good records: Make sure all your important documents are organized and easy to find. This includes property deeds, mortgage papers, and any loans you've taken out. If someone makes a false claim, you'll have the proof to fight back as quickly as Riley did. Regular review and updates of these documents are crucial.
Be skeptical: If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Be wary of unsolicited offers or demands, especially if they come with pressure to act quickly.
Stay in the loop: If you're inheriting property or managing it for someone else, know what's going on. Are the taxes paid? Is there a mortgage? The more you know, the harder it is for scammers to pull a fast one. The reason Riley Keough was able to take action quickly enough to stop the sale was because she was paying attention.
You also want to make sure someone else is paying attention to your affairs in case you become incapacitated. In last week’s article, we discussed what can happen if you become incapacitated and you haven’t planned for it. If you missed it, here’s a sneak peek: it took months for Jay Leno to be able to manage his wife’s financial affairs once she was unable to herself. And as we’ve seen with the Graceland case, months could mean the difference between keeping your property and losing it. If you haven’t planned for your incapacity, book a call with me using the scheduling link below, and let’s talk about how we can get that taken care of for you.
And this brings us to the most important thing you can do to protect yourself. Incapacity planning isn’t enough. You need a solid and thorough Life & Legacy Plan.
A Solid Estate Plan is the Key
Having a solid estate plan creates a legal framework that's much harder for fraudsters to penetrate. The type of planning we do, called Life & Legacy PlanningⓇ, is solid and thorough. It covers all possible scenarios so you and your family are prepared for anything that can happen after your death or during your incapacity. It includes an inventory of all your properties and other assets, so you know exactly what you have, and your loved ones will also know if they need to step in and help. A Life & Legacy Plan also includes regular reviews and updates so your plan stays current with changing laws and circumstances, closing potential loopholes that scammers might exploit.
Finally, we can help you ensure your loved ones know about these risks and are familiar with your estate plan. As we’ve learned from Elvis’s estate, the more eyes watching out for fraud, the better.
How We Help You Not Fall Victim to a Scam
Scams are on the rise and the best time to protect yourself is now. As a Personal Family LawyerⓇ Firm, we help you create a Life & Legacy Plan so that your loved ones stay out of court and conflict and have a plan that works when you (and they) need it to. Once you’ve created your plan, you can rest easy knowing your wishes will be honored, your loved ones cared for, and your property protected.