Times are hard right now and yes many Elders are confused and scared with all the mandates, suggestions and opinions concerning this Covid -19 Pandemic.
The virus fears do not seem to be enough to make Elders scared and worried but now we have scammers hard at work every single day. The latest and greatest, although maybe not so latest is the Dude who calls elders and leaves a message that he drove by their house yesterday and he can help them sell their home. In addition, he goes on to say that he may or may not have the right number or the correct party. ( this is to make it look like an innocent mistake) Not so innocent, this guy or his minions go to the court house and harvest all the addresses and names of Elders who own their hhomesin a particular division or neighborhood.
Then they make the call and if some Elders do call him he can get his foot in the door by invitation to work them over financially. These people are crooks and evil ones at that! They especially prey on the Elders that appear a bit confused or may have some cognitive problems. They rob them of their home and sell it for many times what they make you believe it is worth. BEWARE! I am not sure how they sleep at night. They usually operate out of a large city in your state and make these calls all over the entire state. If you get one of these calls alert the FBI in your state so they know these scammers are there. Also call yo attorney Generals office and al them as well.
The way you know they are scammers is so simple. First of all how can they get your phone number just by driving by your house? Secondly, If there was a for sale sign and it was at the wrong house it would not have your phone number on it. So how did they get your number? They apologize if they have the wrong party in advance leading you to think they are so polite and courteous, So that causes you to let your guard down, after all, he sounds like such a nice fellow. Remember a con artist is someone who wins " YOUR confidence". That is why we call them on the artist. Because once they win your confidence they can steal from you so easily, you will willingly give them whatever they want.
Please be careful not to let them in your door and please if you want to sell your house, have family help you and find an honest licensed realtor, or if you want to sell by owner, make sure your son, son-in-law grandson, brother or trusted friend, etc helps you and is always there when you show your home. Have your attorney oversee everything. Be careful because there are some real shysters out there and this pandemic has made it more so.