How can I get Apple to unlock an inherited ipad?

QTwo years ago my brother died, leaving me an almost-new ipad. However, it’s locked to his account and the passwords have been lost. Apple won’t discuss my brother’s personal information because of data-protection law, and it also says I need to show my brother’s purchase receipt, even though my solicitor has written to the company explaining I’m now the legal owner. I don’t want to access any data on the ipad; I just want it unlocked. Can you help?

We’ll do our best, because we fear Nigel has been the victim of a scam. Sadly, many people fall for these online. You should always look online when you need a company to perform a service for you, but it’s important to remember how easy it is for fraudsters to set up fake websites.

After some investigation, we uncovered worrying information about Lombard Legal Services (not to be confused with other companies using similar names).

AGryphon Property Partners, the company that manages the office building Lombard Legal Services gives as its London address, says it has never heard of the company. It also doesn’t appear to be listed with Companies House, although two other companies with the same name are registered. We’ve not been able to contact the company by phone, or using the online form.

There are other indications that all’s not well. Sean Feast, a spokesman for the Credit Services Association, the trade body for debtcollection agencies (DCAS) told us: “No one should be parting with cash in advance to a DCA so alarm bells should have been ringing. Also he’s been overcharged. The most commission a DCA will charge is 20 per cent of the amount you’re owed, but usually only 10-12 per cent”.

We’ve told Nigel to contact Action Fraud ( www.actionfraud.police.uk) with this information. Hopefully, they will be able to investigate further.