Highlands County S.A.L.T Council 424 Fernleaf Ave. Sebring, Florida 33870 Tel: 863-402-7248

Repair Fraud (If it sounds too good to be true, it's probably not true)

Those of us that were here in Florida last summer remember the paths of destruction left by three hurricanes. The number of homes requiring repair and replacement was astronomical. Some homes still have not been replaced or repaired. There has been a shortage of supplies. It seems that when people are most vulnerable, the scam artists move right in. And of course, the elderly are almost always their main targets.

People have written out checks in good faith and given them to contractors to perform work and once the contractor received the money, he could not be found. We must remember that the scam artists are there all of the time. It's a shame because they give all of the honest working citizens a bad name. Be that as it may, we must always be vigilant and protect ourselves. We have worked very hard for money and our present retirement.

If you are planning to remodel your home, or if you are going to have any kind of work done at all, here are some tips that you should follow to protect yourself from being cheated.

• Plan your project carefully.
• Try and get recommendations from friends, family and neighbors
• Get estimates from two or more contractors that give details about the work to be done, materials, labor charges and start and finish dates. A clear and detailed contract can protect you if something goes wrong.
• Ask for references and then check them out.

• Provide references that can't be verified.
• Offer a special price if you sign "today".
• Only accepts cash or require a large deposit up front.
• Does not provide a written contract.
• Gives you an offer that "sounds too good to be true."

• Have the contractor prove that he is licensed and bonded, and has insurance.
• Check the information by calling the Department of Business and Professional Regulation at 1-800-342-3557.
• If there has been action taken against the contractor.
• If the contractor has gone under any other name.

If you need assistance call the Better Business Bureau, or the Florida Department of Insurance at 1-850-922-3131 or 1-800-342-2762 or your local police department.

If you are uncomfortable with your situation, call the West Central Florida Area Agency on Aging at 1-800-96-ELDER or 1-800-963-5337. This is the number for any and all questions at the agency and they will then direct you elsewhere if needed.