Have you ever found a salesperson knocking at your door looking for work, selling some product or service, or noticing you just might need their help? They say you are lucky they just happened to be driving by, because so many neighbors have signed up for their services. Maybe you have sought help for a problem, but felt uncomfortable with how the business relationship progressed.
Yikes! Whether I asked for help, or they came unannounced, I almost always feel immediate stress. I worry that I will get manipulated into purchasing something I really do not need, or want. But mostly, I am remembering another time.
A few years ago, my uncle had a small engine repair business, buying, selling, and repairing lawn mowers and the like. One day a man approached him in his garage and kept him occupied while another man sneaked inside the house, startling my aunt who shrieked and then jumped to protect herself, her home, and her belongings. While one man kept my uncle busy outside, inside the other man laughed and taunted my elderly aunt, punching and pushing her aside as he rifled through drawers and took their belongings. Then the two took off speeding away in their car as my uncle realized what had just happened.
It was a shocking event for our family. It hurt to know that our loved ones were so much violated. Even worse, the two marauders returned again and robbed them a second time taking whatever things they could not grab previously! The images and memories haunt and remind me to be ever vigilant of my own home and my own physical limitations. They strongly defended their home, but it shattered their nerves. Could I fight off a similar violent encounter?
Whether violent or insidious, every day there are seniors who are being taken advantage of by unscrupulous cads. Some are robbed of their belongings, others of their identity. Some are victims of scams. Some are cheated by businesses that up charge, or finagle the cost of repairs to take advantage of their customers.
Thankfully, there is help and advice available. If you are seeking services or repairs, before employing any company check them out. Find out if they are licensed and insured. That does not always mean they will do the best job, but it does mean they are legitimate contractors. Get a minimum of three bids on your project. But remember, the cheapest deal is rarely the best deal. They may be using bad materials, or not using the best business practices. Be wary of special deals and ask for references. Ask a grandkid, family member, or trusted friend to help you investigate through the Better Business Bureau website. Look for reviews and complaints. Get a written contract saying what are they going to do and the details of their warranty.
Be wary of up-sells. Did your contractor suddenly find more problems that they need to solve right away? You may need to enlist help to make sure all is done correctly. Never pay in full up front and inspect any work you have requested to be sure you are satisfied before you pay. Do not use cash, but pay with a credit card or check, so that you have a record of your payment.
Remember, you can cancel your transaction within three days. So, if you are entering into a contract for work to be done, sleep on it, and remember if it sounds too good to be true, it most likely is.
If you run into trouble, contact your local police to file a fraud complaint. We are fortunate in our areas that County Sheriff’s Offices have dedicated officers to assist older adults. These officers would tell you that scams and theft of the elderly are all too common. You can report incidents of fraud at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
If you find yourself a victim of fraud or in a situation like that of my uncle and aunt, call the police and make a formal complaint right away. Let’s never allow any other senior to suffer in a similar way.
Barb Nadeau is the community relations manager for the Voluntary Action Center of Northern Illinois, representing five counties. Barb has worked many years as a professional television and radio host, as well as a print and social media journalist, and as a volunteer coordination professional, networking amongst non-profit social service agencies throughout Illinois. She is a freelance writer and an elected alderman in the city government of Plano. Contact Barb at bvnadeau@gmail.com.