HOMEOWNERS risk losing thousands of dollars to driveway renovation scams – often being masked as “great deals”.
Elderly residents in Detroit, Michigan, are increasingly being targeted by landscaping scammers who use high-pressure tactics and demand cash upfront.
GettyResidents are risking thousands of dollars to driveway renovation scams[/caption]Referred to as ‘Spring scammers’ by Click on Detroit due to their tendency to operate in March and April, these fraudsters are particularly notorious for sealcoating scams.
In one instance, a woman lost $3,000 when workmen came to her door, offered her a deal, and asked for payment in advance.
In most cases, the scammers flee before completing or even starting the work.
Many of these fraudsters travel from out of state and target elderly residents by knocking on doors.
Sheriff Michael Bouchard of Oakland County said: “They’re looking for people who are vulnerable, people that may fall for the scam.”
He added: “Usually it starts with, ‘Hey, we just happened to be in the neighborhood, we did one of your neighbors, and since we’re here, we can give you a special deal.’
“That’s when you need to be on alert.”
Experts recommend always asking for referrals and references, as well as requesting information about the contractor’s licence.
Additionally, it’s vital to carefully read every line of any contract before agreeing to any work.
If you believe you’ve been scammed, it’s important to contact your local police and Attorney General Dana Nessel.
Authorities can then investigate and work to identify the scammers’ patterns.
Classic car enthusiasts are also being warned that, sometimes, a dream set of wheels may indeed be too good to be true.
In a recent report, police in the city of Maize, Kansas, alerted gearheads of an alleged scam website that’s using the name of a business that has closed down.
A website, under the name of MaizeMotors, claims to sell restored classic cars and to add to its authenticity, it even lists a local telephone number and a Maize address.
But the address once belonged to the real Maize Motors, which was a used car lot that has long since gone out of business.
The photos that can be found on the website are of classic cars seemingly taken from other legitimate websites.
The scam is widespread, as last December, Matthew Hobson, a retired firefighter from Oklahoma, was tricked out of $45,000 for what he thought was his dream car – a classic 1968 Chevy Camaro.
Hobson said he found the classic for sale online and immediately contacted the sellers.
He said: “They sent me videos, they walked around the car; it was so professionally done.”
He said he believed he’d done his due diligence; investigating the car, the company and the process for weeks prior – claiming everyone seemed professional and legit.
How to avoid being scammed at the repair shop
Motorautocar and the AARP have east-to-follow tips to avoid being scammed by a repair shop.
Motorautocar suggests asking to see parts that have been replaced or to see old fluids after they were swapped. If the shop says that’s impossible or refuses, it could be a sign it wasn’t done. Ask for a walkaround of the repairs that were done. Most mechanics are happy to show you what was done in the shop. While being walked around, look for evidence of repairs like the area being cleaned off, shiny new parts, tool marks on the bolts, tools being out or nearby, etc. Before taking your car in, look at other customer reviews on Google, Yelp, or Facebook. Many customers only review a company if they have negative reviews, so keep an eye out. For costly repairs, consider getting multiple opinions. If two to three shops suggest identical repairs, it’s likely to be true. Test a new shop with minor issues you’re aware of to see if they add anything to the repair bill. If applicable, bring someone to the shop who knows about cars to have them double-check or read a repair bill. Get everything on paper. Not only is it important for your repair records, but it can help protect you if legal measures are necessary.Source: Motorautocar, AARP
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