Finders have been invited to appear on ‘Heir Hunters’ right from the beginning of Series One. This is the latest email we received from the Production Company (2011):
ATTENTION: Daniel Curran RE: Heir Hunters – BBC/Flame TV
Dear Daniel,
I am writing to let you know that a new series of Heir Hunters for the BBC is beginning pre-production shortly.
We would again be very interested in working with you and Finders on this new series.
If you are interested please do not hesitate to get in touch,
Best wishes
Matt
Matthew Gordon
Executive Producer
Flame Television
4a Exmoor Street
London
W10 6BD
Why have Finders turned down the chance to appear on ‘Heir Hunters’?
- Our research relates to confidential legal matters concerning the death of an individual.
- We believe that our work and the lives of the beneficiaries we contact should always be treated with respect and in confidence.
- We do not consider that, as has happened many times, turning up at a person’s home with a camera crew is appropriate behaviour when dealing with sensitive personal matters.
- We understand that many of the cases featured on ‘Heir Hunters’ are incomplete and payments have not yet been made. Therefore, we consider the content is often misleading to the viewing public who may be shown a picture of a ‘happy ending’ with windfalls being received, when in reality they have not been and may, in fact, never come to fruition.
- We believe companies who feature on this show may have used their notoriety to suggest to heirs that they are somehow a more ‘legitimate’ or ‘official’ provider of services than any other firm simply because they appear on the ‘Heir Hunters’ show. If this has occurred it is untrue and highly misleading and the BBC do not endorse any firm in this way.
- ‘Heir Hunters’ has spawned a new generation of people and companies claiming to be professional probate genealogists, but with no professional standing or proven track record and often with questionable ethics and tactics. They may not have proper business registration, Data Protection Registration, have memberships of any professional organisations, or work to a Professional Conduct Code. It is possible that they could leave you with a debt if you have incurred expenses, be unable to prove any entitlement or progress your claim effectively in good time through lack of knowledge or ability. You may find they do not have proper offices or be unavailable by phone when you try to contact them. Whilst legitimate businesses, new or established, do not cause us any concern, rogue traders and poor practice do.
- On an almost daily basis we are sent e-mail from unsuspecting members of the public all over the world who have been approached by criminals referencing ‘heir hunters’ in their e-mails. This is a direct consequence of the show and could have lead to theft and fraud if people have been caught out by these approaches.
Some Facts about Finders
- Finders have been established for 14 years and Daniel Curran, the Managing Director, has over 20 years experience as a professional probate genealogist.
- Finders have been featured in serious media, such as on BBC TV’s ‘Money Program’, BBC radio and in the legal press.
- We prefer to treat their work and your personal, legal business as confidential and not suitable for a light entertainment show such as ‘Heir Hunters’.
- Your case will be treated as confidential throughout and your details held in accordance with our Data Protection Registration.
- We are the only firm to have our own strictly enforced Professional Conduct Code
- We are approved agents of Aviva Insurance, a household name, who allow Finders a unique 'self approval' of policies because our work is trusted by them to be thorough and highly professional.
Our Promises to You
- Regardless of the commission fee charged, we guarantee that we will complete our work on your behalf in a proper professional manner – even if this means that we make a financial loss.
- You will never be charged anything by us if your claim fails for any reason whatsoever. The risk is entirely ours.
- Your queries will be answered promptly and efficiently and our aim is to provide you with faultless customer service throughout.
