I had a missed call on my mobile just over a week ago. On Googling the number it stated it was from Heir Hunters. I called back the next day expecting it to be some kind of random market research thing and was ready to tell them to take a hike. The woman on the other end of the phone gave me much information including exact birth dates of myself, parents, sibling and also areas of birth etc. She then went on to tell me that she had to 'tread really carefully as this was a very delicate subject to broach'.She continued and advised me that my sibling had died. I assumed she meant my sister with whom I have had no contact for about 10 years. This was not the case and she said it was in fact another sister I had, gave me her name and date of birth and locality she was registered in etc. I said was she absolutely sure of this information and she confirmed that my parents were indeed this other persons, even advising on her mother's maiden name, which was correct. She requested that as they had not been able to get hold of my mother could I break the news to her as it would be better coming from me. I refused advising that I had not seen or heard from her in over 30 years and had no intention of getting in touch with her even if I knew her whereabouts. Person on end of phone said fine and that she had a phone number and would call her. The phone call went on for about 20 minutes, I was shocked beyond belief. Heir Hunters promised to send me a copy of the birth and death certificate of the lady who had passed away.
I had no one alive to corroborate this story, family members who are still in my life had no recollection whatsoever. My husband questioned if they could have got it wrong but Heir Hunters were so convincing and the information correct down to the very last detail that I was sure it was not a mistake. After much agonising and huge amounts of stress and anxiety I completed an online form regarding the lady who had passed from another company of the same genre, adding my details and I waited. A couple of days later I received a phone call from them asking me to confirm some details which I did and was told that they would investigate, request a copy of the full birth certificate for this lady and get back to me. They did in fact call back yesterday to tell me that the lady who had passed away was nothing to do with me, her father had the same first name as mine and her mother had the same maiden name but apart from that NOTHING else. They confirmed quite categorically that this had been a mistake on the part of whoever had given me the information in the first place. I am shocked and appalled. I have considered emailing Heir Hunters but what is the point really! They would deny it all I am sure. This opened a massive can of worms and has caused much upset. Needless to say the birth and death certificates have not arrived and no follow up phone call from Heir Hunters has ever been received. Says it all. I won't be so quick to accept information in the future.