Consumer FraudBefore you contract for any home-improvement services or make a major purchase, check the company. Trust me when I tell you how important this is. Even Blackdog got caught. Five years ago, a company rep came to my door to talk about replacing my windows. I desperately needed the job done--the windows were 59 years old--so I invited him in to talk about it. He quoted me a price, I said it was too high, and rather than lose the sale he dropped the price to a very reasonable amount, and I accepted the deal. In a few days, the company came and measured all the windows, built them in their plant and then in a couple more weeks came to install them. I was very pleased with the installation and workmanship. I was happy with the price. I was not happy with the product, since I was led to believe I was getting double-pane windows, which I did not. But these were a vast and necessary improvement, so I let it go. Two weeks later, the company went bankrupt. Now, my lifetime guarantee is worthless. If I need to replace a window for any reason I must call the company I should have called in the first place-one that has a very trusted name. If I can fall for it, then it can easily happen to anyone.
And as I have reminded you before, spring especially is the time of year when people will knock on your door and inquire about home improvements. One woman came to my home in February saying the frost on my windows indicated the seam had broken between my double panes and the windows should be replaced. Well, as noted, I do NOT have double panes, and the frost on the windows was due to the higher humidity in the house (and the warmer temps) vs. the incredibly cold outside temp. This was a complete scam. Don't fall for anyone who comes to your door. If you know your roof needs repair, call various roofers (and ask friends and neighbors for recommendations) and have them look at it. In other words, be proactive. Don't let someone off the street convince you your driveway needs repaving or anything like that. Remember "convince" starts with "con."
Advertising is another great scam. Anytime you see an ad such as "overnight weight loss" or "bad credit history erased" are scams. Work-at-home schemes usually are, too. The one I like was on TV just recently (May 2005). "Need to lose weight? Eat the way you always do and take one of these pills per day, and watch your stomach fat disappear!" Right.
If you buy a used car, have it checked by a mechanic before you purchase it!! If you buy a major appliance, check the warranty before you complete the purchase.
Remember, you will get computer e-mail and phone calls asking you for personal information for a variety of reasons. NEVER, EVER give out any personal info, including Social Security Number, credit card number or anything else without know to whom that info is being given. If you GET a call, be very very suspicious. If you place a call to order something from a reputable company you are familiar with, that's fine-just as if you order online.
Always be wary of strangers who come to your home! Always!
Finally, of all the scams, one of the most horrid is the dating service scam. This JUST occurred in the metro Detroit area. A 62-year-old, very smooth-talking guy met several women through online dating services-mostly women his age and older. He talked them out of money to help his ailing parents. Well, he talked a lot of women out of a lot of money-a very lot of money! He was finally arrested yesterday. Again, if it sounds too good to be true, don't do it.
