My elderly aunt had a man come to her door and offer to do some house repairs. He got her to sign a contract and pay an advance fee. He then left to get materials and she never saw him again. What can I tell her to do in the future so she does not get caught by a scam again?

It is good advice never to hire a person who just arrives on your doorstep. If you need work done, get advice and recommendations from family and friends. Even then it's a good idea to get several estimates before you decide whom to use.

Your aunt can check out a contractor's qualifications by calling her local Better Business Bureau, or the consumer services branch of her provincial government. There might be rules about the way contracts are concluded outside of a business place and who can make such contracts. It would not be unusual, for example, that the contractor should be licensed and bonded in order to do business in this way.

Consumer legislation in your aunt's province likely allows for the reporting and investigating of such incidents. Her local provincial office will be able to tell you what options exist.

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January 2006

see also:

• More Abuse of Older Adults FAQs

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