Researcher and genealogist

[jollyhollyday]

I have received a hand written letter from a researcher and genealogist who is trying to locate me. He's left his details and I've emailed him but I'm wondering if anyone else has ever had anything similar
I'm completely confused and also sceptical in case it's a scam.
I've looked him up online and his LinkedIn profile matches what he says he is
Any advice welcome

Anyone?

I’d proceed with caution over how much personal information you give out to him. Where did he get your address from and did he state why he wants to get in contact with you?

He could be an heir hunter. When someone dies intestate an heir hunter will track down people who may have a claim. They will charge a percentage of any inheritance for putting your claim forward if you are successful.

You can google it. There was a series on bbc1 called heir hunters

Some genealogists are hobbyists really, but are extremely experienced, and will sometimes do paid research for people to help them with their trees and to see if they can find distant relatives. It might be somebody like that. Or, as a PP says, an heir hunter.

Agree with not giving them any personal details though. If they think you are who they are looking for, then they should have basic information about you already. You can then decide what to do about it, but tread carefully.

@jollyhollyday

I have received a hand written letter from a researcher and genealogist who is trying to locate me. He's left his details and I've emailed him but I'm wondering if anyone else has ever had anything similar I'm completely confused and also sceptical in case it's a scam. I've looked him up online and his LinkedIn profile matches what he says he is Any advice welcome

Has he said why he is trying to contact you ? Perhaps if he says why then you will know if he is genuine or not

Thanks for all your replies. I agree I will proceed with caution. I've emailed him to ask what this is all in relation to as it's quite concerning to get a letter from a stranger to my old home address.
The current owner was kind enough to send me a picture of the letter. But no details other than please can you pass my details onto her if you know her.
I used to do ancestry but I wouldn't have ever given my home address on those sites but he could have traced me from an electoral register?