Most crimes committed against older adults are "transient crimes," many involving home repairs or diversions where a person requests to come into the home to use the bathroom, ask for a drink of water, or to "'check out" an unreported problem.
The most common transient crimes are driveway sealing, roof sealing, brick or mortar repair, shingle replacement, painting, landscaping, power washing and exterminating. The criminals will use bogus or diluted material, present excess empty containers to exaggerate the amount of work done, find non-existent "damage,"' fail to perform the work, or demand a higher payment after the job is completed.
Police advise:
- Never sign any contract or use any service offered to you by a person that approaches you over the phone or door to door.
- Do not allow any stranger into your home; no exceptions
- All gas, water, electric and cable workers have ID badges and would never ask to "check your system" to gain entry
Don't be afraid to call your local police department if you suspect elder fraud.
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