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ORANGE COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY

SENIOR FRAUD PREVENTION

AND RESOURCE GUIDE

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Fraud and Its Impact Page 2

Prevent Fraud BEFORE It Occurs Pages 3–5

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Page 3

Page 4

Page 4

Page 5

Page 5

General Tips

Check Your Credit Report for Free

Consider Freezing Your Credit

Fraud Complaints by Method of Contact

Register for National & State “Do Not Call” Lists

Check if a Person or Company is Licensed or

Insured

Mail Opt-Outs

What to Do if You Think You are a Victim of Fraud

Create a Consumer Incident Log

De�nitions of Common Types of Fraud

Local & State Fraud Resources

Federal Fraud Resources

National Nonpro�ts

Computer & Online Security Tips

Financial Exploitation of the Elderly

Top Scams Targeting Seniors

By the Numbers: Fraud Complaints in the U.S.

Acknowledgements

Page 5

Page 6

Page 6

Page 7

Pages 8

Page 9

Page 10

Page 11

Page 12

Page 12

Page 13

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Table of ContentsFraud and Its Impact What is Fraud?Fraud occurs when someone uses deceit, trickery, or betrayal to steal your money, property, or belongings.Why do you need to know how to protect yourself from fraud? Today, more than ever before, fraud is making the headlines as a growing problem across the United States. Fraud is a particular concern to elders, who are o�en retired and cannot easily return to work to rebuild their bank accounts.

This Orange County District Attorney Senior Fraud Prevention and Resource Guide was designed to help you learn how to protect yourself from scams, fraud, and deceptive practices before they happen. It also contains information on local, state, and national resources available to anyone who suspects fraud has occurred.

Senior Fraud Prevention and Resource Guide: 1st edition, published September 2016

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General Tips•Don’t let yourself be pushed into making an immediate

payment or donation.• Alwaysrequestwritteninformationorquotes.• Don’tdoanythingifyouhaveanyquestionsordoubts.• Asktoseeproofthatanindividualorcompanyislicensed,registered,bonded,and/orinsured(detailsonpage5).

• Don’tprovidepersonalfinancialinformationtoanyoneunlessyouinitiatedthecontact.

• Ifacompanyorbusinesscontactsyouaboutyouraccountorpurchase,donotprovidepersonalaccountinformation.Hangupandsearchforthecompany’scontactinformation,theninitiatethecallfromyourend.

• Bewareoftestimonialsorreferencesyoucannotindependentlyverify.

• Althoughitsoundsofficialwhenacompany’snameincludes“NationalOrganizationof ”or“U.S.Officeof,”itdoesnotguaranteethecompanyispartofthefederalgovernment.

Check Your Credit Report for FreeChecking your credit report at least once a year is a great wayto ensure your identity has not been compromised. �e federal government’s established website, www.AnnualCreditReport.com, allows you to obtain a free copy of your credit report once every twelve months from each of the nationwide consumer credit reporting companies: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. �is credit report is also called a “credit �le disclosure.”

Know that www.AnnualCreditReport.com will not approach consumers via email, telemarketing, or direct mail solicitations. Visit www.AnnualCreditReport.com or call 877-322-8228.

Prevent Fraud BEFORE It Occurs

WARNING: Asasecurityprecaution,neverprovideyourpersonal information toacompanyorpersonthatcomestoyouo�ering a free annualcreditreportundertheFairandAccurateCreditTransactionAct(FACTA).

HELPFUL TIP: You can further protect yourself by scheduling these credit checks every four months, and only requesting a credit report from ONE of the companies at a time.

If you’re approached by an unfamiliar charity, call the NY Attorney General's Office at 800-771-7755. For national charities, you can also contact the Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance at 407-621-3300 or visit www.give.org.

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Consider Freezing Your CreditFreezing your credit report prevents lenders and other companies from accessing your credit report or credit score without your expressed written permission. This freeze can help stop identity thieves from taking out credit in your name. New York law governs the structure of credit freezes in New York, including the costs to freeze credit, temporarily lift credit to pull your credit score, or report or permanently remove the freeze. These fees are waived for victims of identity theft that have documentation stating such from a law enforcement agency.

TO FREEZE YOUR CREDITYou must contact EACH of the three credit reporting agencies:

• Experian – www.experian.com/freeze or call 888-397-3742• Exquifax – www.equifax.com/CreditReportAssistance

or call 888-298-0045• TransUnion – www.transunion.com and search for “credit

freeze” or call 888-909-8872

Fraud Complaints by Method of Contact

Data supplied by the Federal Trade Commission’s Consumer Sentinel Network report on fraud complaints for the 2015 calendar year. Report published February 2016. Visit www.�c.gov.

Concerned family members discovered their father had been contacted by scammers claiming he had won several millions of dollars in prize money. �e man was told to send money for duties, transfer fees, taxes, and other expenses. He sent nearly $9,000 via money transfer services and cash reload cards, so there was no way for him to get the funds back. TIP: It’s illegal for companies to ask you to pay a fee or buy anything in order to win or claim a prize – and it’s a sure sign of fraud.

Phone

Email

Internet

Mail

Other

8%

7%

6%

75%

5%

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Register for National “Do Not Call” List

A “DoNotCall”listwascreatedtogiveconsumerstheopportunityto“opt-out”ofreceivingsalessolicitationsviathetelephone.TheFederalGovernmentmaintains the “DoNotCall”list.

NATIONAL DO NOT CALL REGISTRY TheNationalDoNotCallRegistry,ingeneral,appliestoalltelemarketersandcoversbothinterstateandintrastatetelemarketingcalls.ItisFREEtoregisteryourphonenumber(s).ThisregistryisapartnershipoftheFederalCommunicationsCommissionandtheFederalTradeCommission(FTC).

• Registeronlineatwww.donotcall.govorcall888-382-1222. (TTY 1-866-290-4236) Youmustcallfromthephonenumberyouwishtoregister.

Check if a Person or Company is Licensed or Insured

• The State Education Department’s Office of the Professionslicenses and regulates 50 health, business and designprofessions. Professional misconduct and unlicensedpractice of the profession are against the law. http://www.op.nysed.gov/ or call 518-474-3817, ext. 570.

• Wheneveryouhire/contractacompanyorindividual toconductworkonyourbehalf,ask to see a copy of theirinsurance coverage. If hiring an electrician, ask to see theirOrange County contractor license or call the OrangeCounty Department of Consumer Affairs at 845-360-6700.

NOTE: TheNew York Department of Education also regulatesmedicalprofessionals.Toaccesstheironlinedatabase,http://www.op.nysed.gov/ or call 518-474-3817, ext. 570.

Tired of Junk Mail?

Opt-out for �ve years—Call toll-free 888-5-OPT-OUT (888-567-8688) orvisitwww.optoutprescreen.com.

Opt-out permanently—Begintheprocessonlineatwww.optoutprescreen.com.Tocompleteyourrequest,youmustreturn the signed PermanentOpt-OutElectionform,whichwillbeprovidedafteryou initiate your online request. �is service is operated by major consumer reporting companies.

Register with the Direct Marketing Associations website— www.dmachoice.orgto manage the types of unsolicitedcommercialmailyouwouldliketoreceive.Youmayalsoopt-outcompletely.

Opt-Out of Prescreened O�ers of

Credit & Insurance

Opt-Out of Other Direct Marketing Mail

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Sometimes,noamountofduediligencecanprotectyoufromfallingvictimtoascam.Ifyoufeelyouareavictimoffraud,yourfirstcallshouldbetoyourlocallawenforcementoffice.Inadditiontofilingapolicereport,theycandirectyoutootheragenciesthatmaybehelpful.This Senior Fraud Prevention and Resource Guidealsolistsmanyofthelocal,state,andnationalgovernmentorganizationsinvolvedininvestigatingandrespondingtoreportedcasesoffraud(seepages8–9).

ORANGE COUNTY LAW ENFORCEMENT NON-EMERGENCY INFORMATION • Orange County District Attorney

845-291-2050•www.orangecountygov.com • Orange County Sheriff ’s Office

845-291-4033 •www.orangecountygov.com• New York State Police Troop F Headquarters

845-343-5300•www.troopers.ny.gov

Create a Consumer Incident LogItisimportanttokeepadetailedlogofanyconsumercomplaintorconcernyoumayhaverelatedtoidentitytheft,fraud,orotherfinancialexploitation.Keepalogbooktotrackyouractions,theresponseoractionsfromanybusinessinvolved,andthestatusofanycomplaintsfiledwithfederal,state,andlocalorganizations.INFORMATION SHOULD INCLUDE:

What to Do if You Think You Are a Victim of Fraud

Details of the complaint, fraud, or identity theft:

Today’s date and time: Agency contacted:

Phone number and/or website: Person(s) you spoke with:

Reference number (if applicable): Action and/or recommendation:

If referred to another organization, name of the organization and contact information:

Your actions as a result of the above recommendation or action:

Any follow-up with a business or organization:

A retired couple purchased a refrigerator with a bottom freezer for $2,000. A block of ice kept forming in the freezer, making it hard to shut the door. Other problems started cropping up, like a leak in the insulation. A�er seven service calls, the couple became frustrated and demanded their money back or a replacement. �eir complaints were ignored. SOLUTION: Call the Orange County Department of Consumer Affairs for assistance with this type of civil matter (see page 8).

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Complaint Category De�nitions of Common Types of FraudAdvanced Fee When you pay money to someone in advance with the anticipation of receiving something in the future (loan,

investment, goods, or services) and then receive little or nothing in return. Auto Sales/Rental Repair/Towing

Auto misrepresentations can include advertising or sale of new or used cars, “lemons”, faulty repairs, leasing, and towing disputes.

Bereavement Bereavement fraud happens when someone claims a deceased family member incurred a debt or purchase that did not occur. The surviving family members often pay this debt without validating its authenticity.

Charities A charitable organization is a non-pro�t organization that focuses on philanthropic goals that bene�t the public interest or common good. Not all charities are properly licensed or legitimate.

Collection Practices(including loans & credit)

False collection practices can include billing and fee disputes, mortgage-related fraud, credit repair, debt relief services, predatory lending, and illegal or abusive debt collection tactics.

Consumer Services Services provided to consumers by a company that produces, markets, or supports a product, which may include installation, technical support, and other services regulated by the state. Any misrepresentation made to a consumer by a service provider may be a violation of the law.

Cramming Cramming involves adding unauthorized/nonexistent fees to a bill (e.g. phone bill, bank account, or other account).

Employment Services

Deceptive employment practices can include scams or work opportunities that require the purchase of materials up-front or contracts that require large up-front fees without exit clauses.

Employment – Work at Home

Promises of a big income for working from home, especially when the “opportunity” involves an up-front fee or divulging your credit card information. These are often indicative of a scam.

Healthcare Common types of healthcare fraud include billing for services not rendered, duplicate claims, excessive services, medically unnecessary services, and kickbacks.

Healthcare – Medicare

Medicare fraud happens when Medicare is billed for services or supplies not received.

Home Improvement

Home improvement fraud can include shoddy work, failure to start or complete the job, over-charging beyond an estimate, related home damage not paid for, work without permits or licenses.

Identity Theft Identity theft involves stealing your identity, usually name, Social Security number, and/or credit card number(s) in order to access resources or obtain credit and other benefits in your name.

Merchandise Sales Merchandise sales fraud can include false advertising and other deceptive practices, defective merchandise, problems with rebates, coupons, gift cards and gift certi�cates, and failure to deliver.

Pyramid Schemes All pyramid schemes have one common characteristic, the promise to consumers or investors of large profits based primarily on recruiting others to join their program. Pro�ts are not based on pro�ts from any real investment or real sale of goods to the public.

Real Estate Real estate fraud can include foreclosure bailouts and housing rescues, reverse-mortgage fraud, home equity fraud, home renovation scams, rental scams, and deceptive timeshare practices.

Real Estate – Landlord/Tenant

The victim can be either a landlord or tenant and can include unhealthy or unsafe living conditions, failure to make repairs or provide promised amenities, deposit or rent disputes, or illegal eviction tactics.

Telemarketing/Sweepstakes

Telephones and direct mail can be used to commit many di�erent types of fraud including sweepstakes and lottery fraud, loan fraud, and credit card scams.

Travel Services Fraud in the travel industry can include deceptive pricing, deceptions in timeshare selling or reselling, and promises that becoming a travel agent will result in free travel.

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Agency & Phone Area of Expertise Adva

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Auto

Sale

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Bere

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Char

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Colle

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loan

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Cons

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Hom

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Iden

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Sale

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Pyra

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Sche

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Real

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Real

Esta

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Land

lord

/Ten

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Tele

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weep

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Trav

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LOCALOrange County District Attorney

845-291-2050 www.orangecountygov.com

DistrictAttorney@orangecountygov.com

ell as economic crimes, imes that occur

ourt. Serves residents of

Investigates and prosecutes all crimes committed within Orange County, including all fraud crimes committed against seniors.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Orange County Adult Protective Services onsumer complaint cepted for all businesses,

APS investigates abuse, neglect, and exploitation of adults who are elderly or have disabilities.

onsumer.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Orange County Office for the Aging ts that originate in Orange ty’s unlicensed contractor

esentations to the public.

The Orange County Office for the Aging is committed to meeting the special service needs of Orange County’s senior population, their families and friends who care for them. th Judicial Circuit.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Orange County Department Of Consumer Affairs 845-360-6700

www.orangecountygov.com

ounty through ovides educational seminars

The mission of the Orange County Department of Consumer Affairs is to promote an atmosphere of trust for consumers in the marketplace and in which honest Orange County based businesses can thrive.

• • • • • •

ounty through • • • • •

STATENew York Attorney General’s Office eptive and

, and violations of the The Attorney General serves as the guardian of the legal rights of the citizens of New York, its organizations and its natural resources. .

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

New York State Protective Services for Adults

aud. ts, at no charge,

, or a case has not been The New York State Office of Children and Family Services, through its Bureau of Adult Services, is responsible for the oversight of Protective Services for Adults (PSA) and other adult services provided by County DSS Offices.

ida Attorney General.

• • • • • • • • • • • • •

ts, protection, eptive trade

Our Mission is to help older New Yorkers be as independent as possible for as long as possible through advocacy, development and delivery of person-centered, consumer-oriented, and cost-effective policies, programs and services which support and empower older adults and their families, in partnership with the network of public and private organizations which serve them.

• • • • • • • • • • • •

ofessions, countants, construction and inarians.

• • •

aud related to y protection, health

• • • •

e charged for a service from e that the charge is

• • •

Local & State Fraud Resources

New York State Division of Consumer Protection The New York State Division of Consumer Protection is the primary investigative section for consumer complaints. The main responsibility is to enforce the Consumer Fraud Act and its regulations of New York State.

New York Office for the Aging

845-615-3700 www.orangecountygov.com/aging

845-291-4000 www.orangecountygov.com

800-771-7755 or TDD/TTY 800-788-9898 http://www.ag.ny.gov/

8800-342-3009 : Option 6 http://ocfs.ny.gov/main/psa/Default.asp

800-435-7352 www.aging.ny.gov

(800) 697-1220http://www.dos.ny.gov/consumerprotection/

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Agency & Phone Area of Expertise

Government Made Easywww.usa.gov (search “consumer fraud”) 800-333-4636

Acts as the U.S. government's official web portal and contains an inventory of U.S. government programs, departments, and agencies.

Consumer Financial Protection Bureauwww.consumerfinance.gov/complaint 855-411-2372

Processes complaints about fraudulent activity involving a bank account or service, credit reporting, debt collection, and other financial products or services.

Federal Trade Commission (FTC)www.ftc.gov 877-382-4357 (877-FTC-HELP) 877-438-4338 (877-IDTHEFT)

Focuses on preventing business practices that are deceptive or unfair to consumers. Investigates reported cases of identity theft including those that involve using someone else’s Social Security number to obtain credit, loans, telephone accounts, or other goods and services.

Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)www.ic3.gov/default.aspx

Accepts online Internet crime complaints from either actual victims or from a third party to the complainant.

Internal Revenue Service (IRS)www.irs.gov/uac/Tax-Fraud-Alerts 800-908-4490

Provides information on types of tax fraud and scams to avoid, as well as how to report these activities.

National Center on Elder Abuse / Administration on Aging (AOA)

www.ncea.aoa.gov855-500-3537

Provides information on research, training, best practices, news and resources on elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

National Institute on Agingwww.nia.nih.gov/health/publication/elder-abuse800-222-2225

Provides resource information on health and aging. This agency also hosts a web page devoted to the topic of elder abuse.

On Guard Online www.onguardonline.gov/blog

This free blog helps consumers learn about new scams and studies, and provides tips on how to stay smart online. Emailed to subscribers, it offers tips for being on guard against Internet fraud, securing your computer, and protecting personal information.

Securities & Exchange Commissionwww.sec.gov/investor or www.investor.gov 800-732-0330

Allows consumers to research investment advisors and investment products.

Social Security Administration http://oig.ssa.gov 800-269-0271

The Office of the Inspector General investigates suspected cases of fraud that involve the misuse of Social Security benefits.

U.S. Postal Inspection Servicehttps://postalinspectors.uspis.gov877-876-2455

Postal Inspectors may investigate any crime in which the U.S. mail is used to further a scheme—whether it originates in the mail, by telephone, or on the Internet.

Federal Fraud ResourcesThere are many federal agencies and national non-profits that have beneficial resources to help consumers with fraud, exploitation, and identity theft concerns. These are in addition to the local and state resources listed on pages 8.

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Agency & Phone Area of Expertise

AARP www.aarp.org/fraud888-687-2277 (888-OUR-AARP)

Hosts a web page that includes information about identity theft, investment fraud, and the latest scams through an interactive map tool.

AARP Fraud Fighter Call Center877-908-3360

Volunteer Fraud Fighters offer peer counseling, support, and referral services to fraud victims and their family members.

FINRA Investor Education Foundationwww.saveandinvest.org

888-295-7422 (Office of Financial Regulation)

Focuses on investment fraud and allows consumers to check to see if a broker or particular investment advisor is registered.

ID Theft Protectionwww.idtheftinfo.org 202-387-6121 (Consumer Federation of America)

Helps people learn how to reduce the chances of becoming a victim, detect identity theft quickly if it does happen, and deal with the consequences.

National Nonpro�ts

National Council on Aging (NCOA)www.ncoa.org/public-policy-action/elder-justice800-677-1116 (Elder Care Locater)

A service and advocacy organization representing older adults and the community organizations that serve them. The Elder Justice program of the NCOA focuses on education and community outreach on the topic of elder abuse.

National Center for Victims of Crime www.victimsofcrime.org 202-467-8700

Advocates for victims of all types of crime and for the people who serve them. Connects victims of crime to a variety of available resources. Specializes in areas of victimization and jurisdictions throughout the nation.

National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC)

www.naic.org/state_web_map.htm816-783-8500

Links consumers to the state insurance agencies that regulate insurance products and salespersons.

National Adult Protective Services Association

www.napsa-now.org (search for APS map)217-523-4431

Links consumers to the each state’s adult protective services units. Houses the National Adult Protective Services Resource Center.

NY BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU914-333-0550

Mission is to be the leader in advancing marketplace trust between the consumer and business.

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Keep personal info personalBecautiousabouthowmuchpersonalinformationyouprovideonlineviatheInternet,email,oronsocialnetworkingsites.Themoreinformationyouprovide,theeasieritmaybeforahackerorsomeoneelsetousethatinformationtostealyouridentity,accessyourdata,orcommitothercrimessuchasstalking.Unique user name, unique password

Differentpasswordsforeveryaccounthelpsthwartcybercriminals.

Make passwords long and strongCombineupperandlowercaseletterswithnumbersandsymbolstocreatemoresecurepasswords.Own your online presenceWhenapplicable,settheprivacyandsecuritysettingsonwebsitestoyourcomfortlevelforinformationsharing.It’sokaytolimithowyoushareinformation.Be selective about who you accept as a friend on a social networkIdentitythievesmightcreatefakeprofilesinordertogetinformationfromyou.

When in doubt, throw it outLinksinemail,tweets,posts,andonlineadvertisingareoftenthewaycybercriminalscompromiseyourcomputer.Ifitlookssuspicious,evenifyouknowthesource,it’sbesttodeleteor,ifappropriate,markasjunkemail.

Don't trust that a message is really from who it says it's fromHackerscanbreakintoaccountsandsendmessagesthatlooklikethey'refromyourfriends,butaren't.Ifyoususpectthatamessageisfraudulent,useanalternatemethodtocontactyourfriendtofindout.Thisincludesinvitationstojoinnewsocialnetworks.Privacy and security settings exist for a reason Learnaboutandusetheprivacyandsecuritysettingsonsocialnetworks.Theyaretheretohelpyoucontrolwhoseeswhatyoupostandmanageyouronlineexperienceinapositiveway.Keep a clean machine Havingthelatestsecuritysoftware,webbrowser,andoperatingsystemarethebestdefensesagainstviruses,malware,andotheronlinethreats.Be careful about installing extras on your siteManysocialnetworkingsitesallowyoutodownload3rdpartyapplicationsthatletyoudomorewithyourpersonalpage.Criminalssometimesusetheseapplicationstostealyourpersonalinformation.Todownloadanduse3rdpartyapplicationssafely,takethesamesafetyprecautionsthatyoutakewithanyotherprogramyoudownloadfromtheweb.

SECURITY TIPSComputer & Online

5

7

.

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You receive an email o�ering to help youconsolidate your debts. �e o�er looks real, but subsequent emails quickly ask for personal �nancial information such as your Social Security number and bank account numbers or you are asked for money to cover “processing fees.”

SOLUTION: Always investigate �rst and never provide personal or �nancial information to unsolicited businesses. Consider checking out the company with the Better Business Bureau (see page 10).

Financial Exploitation of the ElderlyNew York Law defines elder abuse as physical, emotional and sexual abuse; financial exploitation; and neglect (including self-neglect). It is found in all communities and is not limited to individuals of any particular race, ethnic or cultural background or socio-economic status.

Financialexploitationofaneldercanoccur:• withouttheelder’sknowledge• bytrickery,intimidation,orcoercion• whentheelderistooconfusedtogiveinformedconsent

Signsoffinancialexploitationmayincludedisparitybetweenincomeandassets,unexplainedorsuddeninabilitytopaybills,inaccurateornoknowledgeoffinances,fearoranxietywhendiscussingfinances,orunprecedentedtransferofassetstoothers.

HOW TO REPORT ABUSE, NEGLECT OR EXPLOITATIONToreportsuspectedcasesofelderabuse,contacttheOrange County Adult Protective Servicesat845-291-4000.

Top Scams Targeting Seniors• Health Care/Medicare/Health Insurance Fraud

• Counterfeit Prescription Drugs

• Funeral and Cemetery Scams

• Fraudulent Anti-Aging Products

• Telemarketing

• Internet Fraud

• Investment Schemes

• Homeowner/Reverse Mortgage Scams

• Sweepstakes and Lottery Scams

Information provided by the National Council on Aging (NCOA). Learn more at www.ncoa.org.

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When a creditor calls you out of the blue, ask speci�cally what debt they are trying to collect, on whose behalf, and what the delivery date was for services provided. Also, get details about interest or other penalties. If the representative balks, it’s probably a scam. TIP: Contact your lender or �nancial institution by using a local phone listing and not the number provided by the caller. Ask for details.

Data supplied by the Federal Trade Commission’s Consumer Sentinel Network report on fraud complaints for the 2015 calendar year. Report published February 2016. Visit www.�c.gov. Data supplied by the Federal Trade Commission’s Consumer Sentinel Network report on fraud Data supplied by the Federal Trade Commission’s Consumer Sentinel Network report on fraud complaints for the 2015 calendar year. Report published February 2016. Visit www.�c.gov. complaints for the 2015 calendar year. Report published February 2016. Visit www.�c.gov.

BY THE NUMBERS:FRAUD COMPLAINTS IN THE U.S.

29%of fraud complaints in the U.S. are for identity theft – The highest ranked category!

$80 BillionConservatively, fraud steals $80 billion a

year across all lines of insurance. (Coalition Against Insurance Fraud

estimate)

US Accounts for 47% ofall Credit Card Fraud

The U.S. is responsible for 47 percent of the world's card fraud despite only accounting for 24 percent of total worldwide card volume.

57%of fraud complaints in the U.S. were made by people age 50 and over.

Identity TheftIdentity theft in the United States was estimated to be responsible for financial losses of $24.7 billion in 2012 by a United States Department of Justice study

NY is the 18th state in the U.S. for fraud and 17th in identity theft complaints

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AcknowledgementsThe 1st edition of the Senior Fraud Prevention and Resource Guide was published by the Orange CountyDistrict Attorney's OfficeinSeptember 2016.

Phone:845-291-2050 Email: DistrictAttorney@OrangeCountyGov.com Web:www.OrangeCountyGov.com

A contractor o�ers to do cheap home repairs for you using “leftover supplies.”

TIP: Always ask for a written, binding estimate up front. Never pay a large deposit or the entire amount up front. Also, ask for the contractor’s license number and research it by asking for references.