Program helps seniors avoid #scams

Robert T. Sacco, a former Michigan Deputy Secretary of State, is helping seniors avoid scams.Sacco worked for Secretary of State Candice Miller from 1995-2003. Still a practicing attorney in Washington, Mich., who is in semi-retirement, he is one of 30 presenters who work in the Michigan Attorney General’s office’s Senior Brigade program, a part of the Consumer Protection Office.


Sacco gives presentations to senior adults regarding various issues they face involving fraud and scams. He also gives presentations to grades K-8 throughout Michigan related to safe use of the Internet as part of the Cyber Safety Initiative.


Both the CSI and SB initiatives have a website found at michigan.gov/ag where residents can obtain information.


“These programs are provided at no cost to citizens,” Sacco said.
Sacco addressed home repair and equity scams, noting that thieves are nothing new, but their methods may be.
 

“Unfortunately, the thieves were out there before any of us came along and they will be out there long after any of us are gone,” Sacco said. “They just come at us in different ways.”

Be aware

Being aware and doing research is key, he said, and residents should always ask plenty of questions before getting work done. Take nothing for granted in recognizing scammers.


Thieves know that seniors own homes and have equity in their homes.
“They want to get into that equity,” he said.


Sacco advised about transient work crews who drive through the neighborhood during spring and fall. They may say that they are doing work on neighbors’ roofs, siding, or driveway when in reality; it is another company who is actually doing the work down the street.


“They want to appear that they are knowledgeable and they are usually talking very quickly,” Sacco said. “They are going to say that we need unnecessary repairs and we need them now. There is a sense of urgency.”


Thieves want to gain access into homes.

“Sometimes they are working in teams of twos or threes,” Sacco said.
While somebody is talking to the resident at the front door, another may be entering the same home from the back door, he said.


“They will give us a ‘free’ inspection and look at whatever,” Sacco said.

Check licenses

He reminded everyone to make sure contractors are licensed in the state. Get two or three estimates. Legally, consumers have three business days after a contract is signed to cancel.
Never pay for the entire project up front. Payments can be scheduled as the work progresses. Talk to banks or credit unions to get financing for home repairs and be wary of contractors who say they have the ability to get financing.
Sacco said that seniors should report anything they may think questionable to the Better Business Bureau or the Attorney General’s office.