Sheriff Tommy Thomas is extremely concerned about crimes committed against the elderly. In recent years fraud crimes against persons over the age of 65 have been on the increase in Harris County as well as across the United States. Sheriff Thomas has commissioned the Burglary, Theft and Financial Crimes Division to monitor these types of offenses, to aggressively investigate, and to prosecute anyone who perpetrates a fraud against an elderly person.

These crimes very often involve construction projects around the home, such as roofing and driveway repair. Typically, the perpetrators will enter subdivisions and approach homes where they believe or know an elderly person may live alone. They will attempt to convince the victim that they need a certain type of repair completed on their home. If the victim agrees to allow the work to be started, the perpetrator will insist on payment prior to starting or completing the work. When they receive payment, the work ends poorly done or not finished. If payment is made by check, the perpetrator goes directly to the bank to cash the check.

The following are guidelines to follow to avoid being victimized by this type of criminal activity.

1. If you require work to be done on or around your home, it is best to obtain a phone number of a reputable contractor from your local business pages.

2. Prior to doing business with anyone soliciting door to door, you should ask for
references and take the time to check on their work before hiring them.

3. Always get a second opinion and an estimate from a competitor. You may get a better deal.

4. If anyone comes to your door and tells you your house is in need of repairs, starts the work prior to your approval, or attempts to pressure you into any type of work on your home, call the Sheriff's Office or your local Law Enforcement agency immediately. DO NOT pay for any work started prior to your approval. Never allow anyone to talk you into doing work on your home.

If for any reason you believe you have been a victim of a fraud or that someone attempted to commit a fraud against you or someone you know, call the Harris County Sheriff's Office at (713) 221-6000.