Contractors - Avoid Elder Abuse Accusations!
Many of us are familiar with the disturbing reality of unlicensed contractors taking advantage of elderly individuals. I recently came across an article on the Contractor's State License Board (CSLB) website that shed light on this issue and left me feeling saddened. Aging loved ones are particularly vulnerable to these despicable scams, and as the senior population continues to grow, so does their share of the nation's liquid assets. This makes them a prime target for fraudsters who take advantage of their cognitive and physical limitations.
The consequences of these illegal activities are far-reaching, as legitimate contractors are losing billions of dollars in potential work to these unscrupulous individuals. Many of them use other contractors' identities and license numbers illegally.
Being accused of elder abuse is a terrifying prospect, but it can happen to licensed contractors who fail to take necessary precautions. Here are a few tips to prevent elder abuse allegations:
Encourage seniors to have a family member present when reviewing any documents ( your written contract) so that they understand the terms.
Put yourself in their shoes and ask how you would want a contractor to treat your loved one.
Always treat seniors with respect and avoid rushing them.
Provide your license and identification. Explain the tools that can be used to verify your license and standing with the CSLB (www.cslb.ca.gov).
Don't request more than the standard down payment of 10% or $1,000, and avoid accepting cash.
The CSLB is cracking down on elder abuse scams, and you can help by reporting any instances of fraud to the appropriate authorities. Let's work together to combat elder abuse and protect our loved ones.