AARP issues fraud alert to watch out for bad weather and disaster repair scams

When severe weather events occur, shady contractors and outright impostors flock to neighborhoods in search of “work” that they may or may not even attempt to do. Many will specifically target older homeowners whom they perceive to be more trusting, more likely to have savings, and – they think – may be experiencing cognitive decline.

• It’s safest to trust contractors that you reach out to yourself.
• Regardless of whom you are talking to, get written estimates and compare bids from multiple contractors before starting any work.
• Pay no more than one-rhird of the total cost prior to the work beginning – and then only when materials arrive.

Be a fraud fighter! If you can spot a scam, you can stop a scam.

Report scams to local law enforcement. For help from AARP, call 1-877-908-3360 or visit the AARP Fraud Watch Network at http://www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork.