Contractor Scams Part II

Cheap driveway sealing, a special deal on a new roof, a tree trimmer from 1000 miles away......

Common scams perpetrated often on senior citizens, and summer is prime time.

Some rules:

Never have anything done by a contractor from 1000 miles away who “just happens to be in the area and finished a job early.”

Never have anything done by a contractor who will not give a written estimate on some sort of real business form (tablet paper may be a tip off).

Always insist on a written estimate for anything more than a minor repair (being done by someone you know well).

Never give in to the “this sale only goes until 5:00 pm today.”

For a major project, insist on freshly dated proof of liability insurance and bonding (on big projects) and ask for proof of workers comp insurance. No proof, no work.

Do not give a large pre-payment because “we need materials.” If the need is legitimate, set up an account at the local lumber yard and pre-pay there. This depends how well you know the contractor.

Always get written information on warranties, both work and materials (shingles).

Contractor Scams - Part I

It is the time of the year for driveway coating scams.

In southeast Michigan a scam crew offered to seal coat a driveway for less than $100, and then extorted $4000 from an elderly woman for doing a “deluxe” job.

Most of these jobs involve smearing the driveway with used motor oil which will run off with the first hard rain.

Never authorize unknown contractors to do a job for you because they have a “really great price.”

If the scammers are persistent call 911 and ask for police assistance.

More advice in Part II.

Hang Up the Darn Phone

Phone calls from phony "IRS agents" are still getting money from senior citizens.

Hang up the phone.

The IRS will always make first contact via mail, and usually waits for you to call them.

Hang up the phone.

Do not be too polite to hit the "end call"  button. 

Hang up the phone.

Do not try to joust with the callers, they are professional thieves and liars. You are not.

Hang up the phone.

And remember the rule in our book, never answer a phone call if you do not recognize the number. That is why you have voicemail.

Don't Be Like Prince Part I

Prince (Rogers Nelson) was a major popular musician for the past 30 years, selling maybe 100 million albums.

He died without a will, or at least without a will that can be found.

This happens frequently and not just to celebrities.

You should have an up-to-date will and some family member/s or some responsible person should know where it is. Family members should also know who your attorney is and the attorney should have a copy.

Do not put your original will in your safety deposit box, it may require a court order to get to it.

Be certain your funeral arrangements are easy to retrieve, someone needs that information right away. If you have a pre-need plan be certain family members know which funeral home.

Our book addresses this and many related issues.

www.protectingseniorcitizens.com

Hackers Gone Wild

Hackers and identity thieves are going wild.

To be accurate your odds of being a victim are still quite small........but the odds are increasing every day.

So what to do?

Watch your bank statements carefully.

Watch your mail carefully, including what may appear to be junk mail (is mail for "Jane Smith" suddenly arriving at your house?).

Give special attention to unexpected mail arriving from tax agencies or collection agencies.

Be very wary of giving personal information over the phone, unless you initiated the call to a known secure number.

You cannot be too careful.

More Information

Link:

                     Protecting Senior Citizens Website

Hacking the IRS

Here We Go Again

The IRS has been using a special PIN system to protect victims of income tax identity theft.

According to media reports, the IRS is shutting down part of the PIN system because hackers were using the reset feature to reset and steal PIN numbers..

Oh dear.

Telephone procedures are in place for a PIN reset, but holding on the phone for the IRS may cause mental health problems (after you have heard the same music loop eight times)!

This is really confusing and changes frequently. Check with your tax professional.