Contractors board officials inform seniors about scams

In response to the recent rise in the number of unlicensed contractors scamming Nevadans, the Nevada State Contractors Board is making an attempt to educate seniors.

During the first quarter of the 2012- 13 fiscal year, criminal cases against unlicensed contractors rose 4 percent to 323 compared to 310 a year ago, according to the board's quarterly report.

Jennifer Turner, a spokeswoman for the Nevada State Contractors Board, said the board has identified issues of contractors, licensed or unlicensed, exploiting seniors.

"The more education we can spread, the greater the extension of our voice," Turner said. "If we can reach one person, we've done a good job."

The board has hosted nearly 15 such meetings statewide since January, most recently Oct. 25 at the Doolittle Senior Center, 1930 N. J St.

State Sen. Steven Horsford also addressed those in attendance and stressed the importance spreading the information around the community.

"It's unfortunate that there are individuals out there preying on our seniors," he said. "We're telling them this will not be tolerated."

The most common instance of exploitation is contractors quoting seniors one price for repairs without an up-front contract, providing sub-par services then charging inflated costs, Turner said.

Between July 2010 and June 2011, 4,300 elderly abuse cases were reported, amounting to roughly 12 incidents of senior -targeted scams a day, and with the aging Baby Boomer population, the number is expected to rise, according to the Nevada Health and Human Services Aging and Disability Services Division.

Downtown Las Vegas resident Gloria Johnson said she was glad she attended the meeting and that she will share the information with her neighbors.

"It is good to be aware of these types of things to keep from being taken advantage of," she said.

George Lyford, Nevada State Contractors Board director of investigations, said it is not just the rising age of residents that will cause an increase in the number of seniors who are targeted but also the rising age of residences in the valley.

"With the aging population of homes needing repairs, we're going to see a lot of construction," Lyford said. "The best advice for anyone is to not rush into a deal and to do their homework."

The board's website, nvcontractorsboard.com, offers checklists, guides and information on scams for seniors and anyone hiring a contractor. Site visitors can also find a list of contractors licensed to work in the state and a search tool to verify whether a contractor is licensed .

To report a suspicious contractor to the board, call 702-486-1160. To verify a contractor's license, call 702-486-1100.

Contact Paradise/Downtown View reporter Nolan Lister at nlister@viewnews.com or 702-383-0492.