We’re in a season where weather emergencies and natural disasters can strike quickly and unexpectedly. Unfortunately, these circumstances bring scammers out of the woodwork. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) cautions consumers to be on the lookout for the telltale signs of a scam that will leave you broke with no repairs performed.
Once disaster strikes, homeowners can be left to deal with costly repairs and cleanup before their homes are livable again. Even before an insurance adjuster shows up, a scammer may come along claiming to be a licensed contractor who can start immediate work to clean up and repair your property. They may demand payment up front and claim they can help with FEMA relief for a fee.
If you’ve gotten a response from your insurer, scammers may ask you to sign over the insurance check to them. If payment is a problem, they may suggest a lender they know as someone you can approach for a loan. The FTC advises to insist on a written contract and a firm schedule for the work to be done and when payment will be made. Always be on your guard for a scam.
You Shouldn’t Have to Worry in Retirement
Additional retirement income gives seniors a cushion for emergencies. Council of Seniors is working diligently to get Congress to pass The SAVE Benefits Act. This legislation is needed because the annual Social Security cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) hasn’t been enough to keep up with inflation in the past few years. The amount of $581 was withheld from seniors’ checks, and it’s time for that money to be returned.
Please sign our petition right away to start helping. Your prompt response can be a game changer in returning this money to seniors.
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