News
Beware of weather-related home improvement scams
June 21, 2019

- Older adults are most likely to have a “nest egg,” own a home with equity and have excellent credit.
- Older generations of Americans were generally raised to be polite and trusting, traits than can be exploited.
- Older adults are less likely to report a scam because they may be unsure they’ve been defrauded, are ashamed, don’t know how to report it or are concerned loved ones will assume they can’t manage their finances.
- Older victims are perceived to be unreliable witnesses, in part because of age-related memory loss.
How Do You Spot a Scam Artist?
They sometimes:- Work door-to-door, suggesting they are working on other homes in your neighborhood
- Don’t provide contact information or refuse to show identification
- Pressure you for an immediate decision
- Only accept cash and ask that you pay the full amount up front
- Offer to finance the costs or suggest that you borrow money from a lender they know
- Pose as a building inspector and order immediate repairs that they offer to do on the side
- Are not licensed or insured

Additional resources to protect yourself or loved ones:
- AARP Fraud Resource Center: Home Improvement Scams
- BBB: Home Improvement Scams
- Home Advisor: Preventing Home Improvement Fraud
- Experian: Here’s How to Avoid Home Improvement Scams
- Council on Aging: Your Safety First