Spring is in the air! After a long winter, you may be ready to start taking on tasks like spring cleaning or home improvement projects. Unfortunately, scammers know this is a popular time of year for home updates and have different ways of taking advantage of unsuspecting seniors.
Warning Signs
- They’re going door to door to drum up business.
- They say they can start immediately.
- They say they can save you money because they have extra materials from a previous job.
- They pressure you to make a decision.
- They don’t have a business card or other contact information.
- They ask for a large amount of money up front, then you can’t contact them.
- They start the work but don’t finish it (and you can’t contact them).
- They ask you to pay in cash, prepaid cards, or a money transfer.
- They ask YOU to get building permits.
- They suggest you borrow money from a lender they recommend.
- They keep finding “damage” or other issues that raise the price they quoted you.
- They threaten to quit the job if you ask questions or raise concerns.
Scam Prevention Tips
- Make sure to get quotes from at least 3 different companies before choosing one for a home improvement project.
- Not sure who to use? Ask for recommendations from friends and family members you trust.
- Ask for references from a potential contractor.
- You can call the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) – Licensing Division at (517) 241-9288 to make sure the repair person you choose is licensed.
- Get all bids in writing.
- Don’t pay for the entire project up front.
- Make sure any contract you sign has all the blank spaces filled out in pen ink.
What to do if you’re a victim of a scam
- Know the warning signs of identity theft (via MI Attorney General’s Office).
- Try to communicate with the contractor.
- Try contacting the contractor on the phone.
- If that doesn’t work, send a letter by certified mail and request a return receipt for your records.
- Consider getting legal help (visit the Online Senior Resource Directory for legal aid programs).
- Report the scam
- To report a scam, file a complaint or get additional information, contact the Michigan Department of Attorney General toll-free at (877) 765-8388 or click here to use their online complaint form.
- Report the scam to the Washtenaw County Prosecutor’s Office.
- You can also report scams to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
Read more on home improvement scams via The Eldercare Locator and the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging.
You can find reputable home improvement and home repair programs by visiting the Senior Resource Connect Online Senior Resource Directory.
