A warning to seniors from the Council on Aging

One of the most challenging parts of our work is dealing with seniors and others who have been taken advantage of. Unfortunately, we have to report that the warm weather we enjoy also brings out people who prey on the elderly to make a quick and dishonest buck!

The active known scam is for blacktop work. This particular scam is also done with tree trimming and removal and other outdoor projects. We have talked with the lead detective with the Sheriff’s department and he has confirmed that area elders are once again being targeted by individual scam artists as well as groups of ‘gypsies’ from out of the area. The lead individuals travel around neighborhoods looking for individuals in need of work, bring in a crew to start the work (which is usually done poorly and not completed), ask for a cash draw or to take the senior to the bank to cash a check and then leave once they have the money. One area senior was taken for $4,000.

The scam artists typically share that they were in the area on another job and have some blacktop or time left. They say they can do the work for much less than they could have but only if they do it right then and there.

Within the last week, the individuals doing the blacktop work entered the senior’s home and stole a considerable amount of valuables. Fortunately the senior was not physically harmed but of course is emotionally shaken.

We ask that you share words of caution with seniors, neighbors, family members, and friends regarding some of the scams that have and will continue to be reported. As shared by the Sheriff’s office, all of the reports were for jobs that were unsolicited.

The bottom line is to NOT allow any offer listed above or similar to be accepted. If you hear of any such scams, please report to the Sheriff’s department (or in the case of Yellow Springs, call the YSPD non-emergency number 767-7206). The challenge they have is proving the scam, so the seniors are out the money, have nothing to show for what they spent, and of course are embarrassed, ashamed and demoralized by the experience.

Thank you for reading this alert and for sharing it with others!

Your Council on Aging

Karen Puterbaugh
Executive Director
Greene County Council on Aging