Warm weather brings with it door-to-door solicitations. Be cautious anytime a stranger comes knocking, especially if the visitor is trying to sell you goods or services. Protect against bad actors by refusing to do business right on the spot. Always ask for credentials and check references of anyone seeking to do work for you. If you agree to the visitor’s offer, pay by check or credit card, or arrange financing. Paying in cash can be dangerous – you may lose the cash and not get the promised goods or services. And always insist on a written contract before you pay anything and before work begins.

Be a fraud fighter! If you can spot a scam, you can stop a scam.

Visit the AARP Fraud Watch Network at www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork or call the AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline at 1-877-908-3360 to report a scam or get help if you’ve fallen victim.