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.
