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Elderly Man

Elderly Safety

During the spring and early summer, the police department sees an increase in the number of senior citizens who fall prey to home improvement scams, particularly driveway seal coating scams.

 

If you, a consumer, did not solicit the contractor who shows up at your door unannounced, then do not do business with that person. He or she may have an ulterior motive or may have an accomplice who is waiting for the right time to enter your home with the intent to steal your valuables or your identity.

Elderly Safety Tips
General Tips
  • Make it a rule that you NEVER do business with someone you did not solicit.

  • NEVER give money, especially cash, "up front" for a job

  • Call the Better Business Bureau (BBB) before doing business with anyone

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Unsolicited Phone Calls

 

  • Remember, you did not ask to be called. DO NOT get pressured into accepting an offer.

  • It's OK to say "No thank you!" and hang up

  • Ask them not to call again

  • Request written literature about an offer before making a decision. Be leery of those that can't provide this!

  • Be careful of offers that are about to expire or are for a limited time only. These tactics are aimed at pressuring you

  • NEVER send in money as a condition of picking up a prize. Remember, if it's free - it's FREE

  • Never give credit card numbers, social security numbers or bank account information to people you don't know

  • Report all suspicious requests to police. Take your time and do your homework. Always follow your "gut" instinct.

 

Repair Fraud

 

  • Usually aimed at big-ticket items (house, car, appliances).

  • Preys on a person's lack of knowledge and expertise

  • Repairs aimed at hard to get to places such as roofs, crawl spaces, etc

  • Sells a person on a bill of goods that warrants our trust of their opinion.

 

Preventing Unnecessary Repairs

 

  • Be wary of unsolicited contractors - "if it ain't broke, don't fix it."

  • Don't fall for pressure tactics

  • Get several opinions before making a decision

  • Check out a company's credentials (Better Business Bureau)

  • Check the references of other consumers using a company's service

  • Get contract proposals in writing outlining the conditions of work and terms of payment

  • Deal with licensed and insured contractors

  • NEVER pay for a job in advance - Negotiate a payment schedule and make the last payment contingent upon completed work.

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