As a fellow REALTOR in Florida, I applaud your HONESTY and INTEGRITY! Too many salespeople are in it for the money only with NO conscious whatsoever. Scamming the elder;y, or unwary, should be a police matter....
You are a blessing. My mother in-law almost fell for the same con artists till i stepped in. Man were they mad ! When they went over her ac system they closed off vents and turned her hot water heater to the lowest setting. Then had her walk through with them showing low ac flow and low hot water temp. After they left she called me. I went over with the realtor and reset it all back to normal with video coverage. Stuff hit the fan!! Always have a inspector of quality and honesty before buying a home. Thank You so much for this video.
Wow ! Those scammers actually tampered with perfectly good machinery in order to try and scam your mother in law ? Horrible ! I hope they paid dearly. Thank you for being there to prevent this !
As a retired widow I found this to be wonderful! Maybe this poor lady never knew about how to take care of such things in a home before because her husband always took care of them... Thanks so much! I’m sharing this...👍
I Pray for more realtors like you. Decent, honest , kind & trying your best to help others , especially widows, as we are afraid & hesitant . TY for being who you are ! God Bless You !!!
Thank you Sir. My husband is a retired electrician and he has always been the one to install and repair and build on our home. If he passes on before me, all that knowledge will go with him. So I'm doubly grateful to you for showing me what could happen should I ever live alone.
When you move to a very different area, the scumbags crawl out from under the rocks. You are giving your clients the service they need and you are a good neighbor. I lived on the Mexican border for awhile and saw the same things happening. Good work. I am not moving to your area but you give us Southerners the good name that most of us deserve.
Having been a realtor years back I can see you are an honest professional realtor, kudos! I worked in a Vancouver, BC area realty office for 2 years with the most unethical realtors I have ever seen. Many contract closings with missing critical information for the buyer. Sickening. One bought a resort only to find out after purchase the municipality take a large section of his property for public road expansion. Realtor knew, but withheld this. Made lots of money from this transaction. Sickening. You are providing an excellent service bringing light to this garbage. Thank you.
My elderly mother and I have a deal: no big purchases (over $500) without talking about it with me first. I have been able to help her not just avoid scams, though that is certainly an issue, but just to get the best deal (not best price, necessarily) on things. It usually takes just a little bit of research and calling around, talking to others - something that my mother has no patience for. The way businesses take advantage of the elderly is a huge problem and happens all the time.
I hope the state was contacted for each of those suppliers that took advantage of that poor lady's ignorance of mechanical systems and whether they were needed and how much she was charged. Serious offenses in Florida, especially against the elderly...
Probably useless. Those sectors have their own business lobbys even in small low population states to get regulations that favour them. FL would have been top priority. There's all sorts of regulations to keep people from going off the grid for example.
The Villages management could be circumventing the scammer problems in their area with some simple rules...but they don't care about these people so they continue to be scammed along with other serious issues in the Villages. I wouldn't let my Mother consider moving here because of all their issues. 👎👎👎👎👎
Before you buy in Florida, if you come from a totally different area, go down and rent somewhere for a year. Make sure its what you want. I lived a while in the Villages area, then over to St. Augustine area then back to the central part of the state near again The Villages. For some, maybe most, its fine or even great. For me, after renting for about a year and a half, I guess I just couldnt get use to the lay of the land, the flatness. Loved the ocean, for a while, and I've spent time on the gulf side and the Atlantic side. Now, I dont golf. And after a while, I decided I missed the hills and mountains in NW Arkansas. The change of seasons. But my point is, I'm glad I dipped my toes in the water so to speak before I bought. No state income tax, but oh boy the property taxes, the insurance if you live near a coastline. Just saying to sample the menu before you order.
I wouldn't buy a house in Florida again and imo and observation if the entire neighborhood is newer than 20 yo chances are good its sitting on former swampland thats been filled with quarry rock. Its only a matter of time before sinkholes and foundation cracks appear but each to their own..roll the dice.
It is great that you are looking out for people. You are a true member of your community. Your service to others is above and beyond . I have a home service company. For the last 30 years I have seen heartless actions by salesman.
I winter in Sebring, and after Irma moved through, several of my neighbors were scammed. One is a friend of mine, and a visit from the sheriff provided a full refund.
@@argtv100 You should watch my latest video... I made it for people EXACTLY like you.... You don't know me nor have you ever worked with me so how can you make any such claims?
@@kidgreenhorn ....Sometimes it's the children or other close relatives who stand to gain freebies who are THE WORST. My ex husband was involved with a woman who conned her own sick and dying (of dementia) mother into signing a full power of attorney plus....change her will to give the daughter EVERYTHING, screwing over the other siblings completely. With offspring like that, who the hell needs enemies?
@Marjo .....OMG. POA doesn't give anyone the right to just steal. Of course, only you can decide whether it would be worth it to legally challenge your sister. I urge you to speak to your State's Atty, the AG's office, office for elder affairs or contact someone at AARP who could refer you to the proper agency acting as advocates for seniors' rights. What my ex's girlfriend and your sister did is not only immoral and unethical---it's downright criminal!
@Bonnie Holman ....Yes, she was and still is a conniving scumbag who played my ex and his one brother like a fiddle. That woman is a curse who causes emotional pain and financial loss for those close to her but they overlook it all and I will never understand why. Thankfully we had no children......really getting to know my ex and his family played a huge part in that decision.
It's hard to believe that it's been over 6 years since Dena & I began watching your videos. It's been 2 years since you worked your magic so we could buy our home, and we appreciate you! News Flash folks - Ira Miller knows his craft and can help you secure the home of your dreams!
Good video. It's not only the villages. It's all of Florida. When I first moved to Florida my dad was here 6 months. I asked how are the people around here and he slyly chuckled "watch your back".
Thank you for posting about scamers. I bought a property in 2012 at Del Webb Golf & Country Club and I got scammed a few times. I was not familiar with many appliances & devices since my main residence is in Canada. I learned the hard way. Last time I reported a scamer to the local chamber of commerce. I suggest to check with it before contracting with any vendor.
You performed a great service to your community by posting this. The world needs more people like you that are honest. Are you saying the HVAC contractor sold the lady the water heater as well? How old is the house? I would think an air handler would last about 10 years or so, mine lasted 7 or 8 before I had to swap out the coils, but the unit had a 10 year warranty so that was labor only.
Boomer1941 noname I’m 63, i was a Merchant Mariner 20 years and then a graveshift Cab driver in a Casino Town 20 years, I just look sweet and have already had to take a few down!! Lol!!
Unfortunate as this may be, but it is all too common on every retirement community. The punishment should be doubled for this predatory practice by low life scum bags. Thanks for sharing this very important public service announcement. Every senior community needs to form a watch group for people to call and get advices on. A group of handy man / woman can serve in this group.
thank you for protecting senior citizens most especially and all of your clients I wish i had one like you when i bought my house . Now i will seek someone like you when i buy my retirement home thank you . God will reward you richly .
A quick scam is the 300 dollar capacitor when they come out to service ac unit. the part is 15-25 bucks retail. I was told I needed one 11 years ago told the guy get out of my house. It's been fine for 11 years.
I had a some pap smear tell me I needed a new air conditioner. Said it would be about $7000. I did some research on RUclips and thought I would just replace the capacitor and see. That's all it was. Cost me $30 and I put it in myself.
@@paulkoller8104 shame there are so many predators. it's bad in fl where they take advantage of seniors who retire to enjoy their golden years. it's theft plain and simple.
A Capacitor should cost no more than $3, the one you are talking about is an electrolytic and I have a few in my workshop. Pity Radio shack is no more.
I have seen this first hand in the villages. As an Hvac technician on vacation visiting my brother, he asked me to inspect his a/c unit that a local contractor told him was corroded beyond repair. It was in excellent condition and had plenty of years left. Seems to be a general lack of integrity taking advantage of unknowing trusting people.
@atterol jones - So the homeowner is to blame for living in a nice home in a nice community? He’s to blame for almost being conned by a scammer HVAC tech?
Part of my duty as an estate management service technician. Is every homeowner and/or client is to give any non scheduled service or utilities representative my phone contact or info. That usually settles everything. Funny how they don't call me or harass my clients about any "imperative" issues after being informed of estate management hurdle. Even if you don't have an estate manager... Just act like you do!
Thank you Ira for being so honest and genuinely concerned about people. I'm a younger widow, and although my husband taught me alot about many things, life turns upside down and it is very difficult to make these kinds of decisions without our husbands knowledge and support. I'm so sorry for this woman but thankful she has family to return back to. I appreciate your videos and have been researching the Villages as a possible future home. I find your videos to be very helpful.
Yes ! I am 62 & single . Empty nester & proud , blessed Gramma. I like to look at videos on the Villages , and other places in FLA ... gathering info for possible future move. I am the demographic these predators would go after. Thank you to this kind gentleman for warning us ! I am sorry for your loss ! Liz
When your ready to retire it best to rent. Anything goes wrong let the management of the complex deal with it. If things don't get fix, just move. Avoid buying a lot of stuff, less things to move.
@@tradingwithwill7214 just don't move to a large city that's booming, where large corporations are relocating to. Then rent prices will sky rocket along with it.
Okay I'm gonna pause the video and say this... Please listen, i work at a home improvement store there In the villages and some of the things my customers come in and tell me are outrageous!!! I try my best to tell them the truth so that they can save their money all the time!! Just because you have money (or live in a community known for money) doesn't mean you have to spend it!! Always get a second opinion before signing any contract
Some of these a-holes can get pretty aggressive and intimidate newcomers. My advice, DO NOT do business with solicitors, if you need something, only work with local businesses who have been in business more than 15 years and get recommendations.
Those houses are all fairly new there. Why would she already need a whole new A/C system? Thanks Ira, exposure is the best prevention with these crooks.
Because builders only use the smallest AC unit per square foot the code allows. Often the units are 2 small and need to work harder to cool and heat and wear out sooner.
Very kind and decent of you, Sir ! Thank you thank you for taking the time to make this important video. And thank you for your genuine concern. My dear late Dad was a realestate broker for 30 years in Buffalo, NY. Hats off to you ! God bless you.
Thank you for doing this video., I am so proud that an agent took the time and energy to do this., It should save a lot of people a lot of money. You have to watch wherever you are buying. I am lucky because my husband is a Certified Home Inspector....Certified...that is the big deal...months of school and studying and then a 6 hour test. He actually caught the Villages trying to get away with a few things before they found out that he was certified and then they were back checking themselves. People should always get a reputable Home Inspector before buying any home. Again, Thanks Ira. Good Job.
This is so true! They pull this type of scam on EVERYBODY that does not have knowledge. I'm in property management in Tampa and we have gone through many AC contractors, Plumbers and others trying to find good, honest businesses to deal with. If you have questions, call someone in the real estate business you trust and ask them. we are more than happy to help!
I can’t even watch the whole video I can feel my blood pressure rising. Maybe the Villages needs a better POA, maybe they need a good neighborhood Facebook page. But you’ve done a wonderful thing. Thank you for being responsible.
If there were more people in the world like you Sir, the world would be a better place. You can lose everything but if you still have your integrity, you've got a lot and it will go a long way in life!
Sorry, I have lived in Florida off and on for nearly 50 years, 35 of them as a homeowner, and these types of rip-offs are prevalent all over Florida but are usually targeted at folks seen as elderly snowbirds. This poor lady did not do her homework. If nothing else it doesn't sound like she bothered to get multiple estimates for work done. Again, sad story, but not confined to The Villages.
If you take advantage of a person of any age just because you can, then you are no better than the gum stuck to the bottom of my shoe. This story breaks my heart.
I don't know how old this lady nor do I know her circumstances. One thing is certain though, the older you get, the harder it gets to do your "homework".
Thank you for your video! I've lived here in Florida for almost twenty years and know first hand that your warning is much needed!!! God bless you for caring about us seniors!
5/19/19.....I live near The Villages...in Lady Lake & used to be a real estate broker in Atlanta. So many not-too-smart agents + lots of money-scammers in/around The Villages....esp bad on widowed ladies with nobody to "guide" them once they come to this area....b/c lots of ppl just don't know how to look for/choose the property that's "right for them" @ this retirement stage in their life. i've seen your ads & been to some of your open houses. You have done a great job making this video. Next time I'm looking for a house, I'm hiring you! I KNOW your video will help a bunch of ppl!
I dont know how people can sleep at night scamming anybody especially the elderly. This is terrible, just terrible. I appreciate your honesty & integrity. I think this would be a great place to retire but, I haven't been down there to stay for a week. Still deciding. Thank you so very much for sharing & doing this video. Stay safe and God bless!
Thank you for Good.people like you who have true compassion for others, especially for strangers. One aspect of Love is to share knowledge. Thank you for your honest and conscientious videos. All the best to you sir.
You're a good man for doing this video. I previously owned a home in Fla. and found most of the work done on my home was done half-assed. I was very happy to sell my property.
You Sir... Are 100% Correct...!!! I have been a technician for 40 Years. I have seen this BS happening to people over and over. Its Crazy. Good Job..!!! You can sell me my Next Property.
IRA, Thank you for your HONEST, INTEGRITY, and BLUNTNESS!! Each one of those companies will answer one day for what they have done!! Scamming people as they did needs to be a police matter and one that is punishable not just a slap on the hand.
That is why I wanted to get this message out as soon as possible... Usually I make these videos a little more professionally but I knew that time was of the essence and I should have made this information available way before now. I am happy to know that they won't get you ...
No soliciting in TV - someone comes knocking on your door and wants your information, don't be afraid to seem rude by telling them to get lost and report them - they get your information by knocking, representing that they may be associated with The Villages and noting it all - they then sell it to local companies that try to sell you all kinds of things, most specifically, water treatment systems.
Im lucky cause i have no problem not answering the phone ever and when i sometimes do i answer who's calling and have no problem just cutting off the conversation ! People that scam are evil should be charged with elder abuse also
I usually answer with " Fraud department, how may I help you? I never say yes if someone asks me if I can hear them. I just keep saying no, I can't for my hearing aid!! Then i start yelling at them to call me back tomorrow 😂😂😂😂😂. I also speak to them in German or another language, or just gibberish!! I've also threatened to sue the hell out of them as I'm on the do not call list!! That usually works pretty well also. I keep my voice mail full, and don't answer the phone unless I recognize the number. That may not work for everyone especially if your doctor's office etc isn't on your contact list.
I do not know the age of the owner. I am just wondering why she did not consult with her children? Great advice from this realtor. I know as my parents aged I was thankful that my dad always consulted me on large purchases.
Most of these people are easy prey BECAUSE the will not trust their kids or their local people like their banker or even their doctor...but a Con man tell them what they want to hear...Many first hand experiences from people that I know and coworkers....of aging parents who hide their finances from them and give away whatever they have to the con man...sometimes substantial amounts ...but sadly often just all that they have... In one case that I am familiar with...one of my coworkers a middle aged man....got a call from the bank....the banker called him and the Sheriff...His Dad was down at the bank with a stranger and he was trying to close out his account and get his cash to give the guy....The banker was stalling....but the fact is it was Dad's money and he can do what ever he wants with it....The guy wasn't intimidated by the sheriff or the banker...Because he knew where he stood with the law....They eventually got a judge to give control of the remaining money to a guardian...but Dad never forgave his son..Quote...."You kids just want to get all of my money"!.... Frequently they are consumed with the need for secrecy....while at the very same time also compelled to to place absolute trust in a stranger...I know that my own Mother and Stepfather absolutely didn't want any of the kids to know any of their business while they were alive...and Yes they were exploited by Financial Advisors and Estate Planners...Falling prey to setting up trusts and placing no assets in them....making investment choices that only profited the advisor and so on... The point is that if you want to have free choice...It by definition has to allow the ability to make bad choices!....It is simply binary there is no other way...Either Mom & Dad...are adults who have the autonomy to make their own choices ....Or they don't and they need a keeper!...
Great job. I used to live there and so it MANY TIMES, one water guy tried to sell me one for $8000, I laughed and showed him my filtration system I installed for $150 myself. LOL. Call it naive, or call it stupid--yes, that why they are predators because so many people just do not research things before they sign on the dotted line.
Ira, you might also want to add that there are special laws in place in Florida for taking advantage of the elderly. They apply to anyone 60 or older and include penalties which are in ADDITION to existing laws against consumer fraud. I am also an MLS Realtor in the area, but I'll refrain from saying which company! Nice video sir.
This is very good advice to anyone not just in the Villages but anyone who might be older and does not have someone younger looking out for their best interests. There are so many scammers out there. Buyer beware! Great video Ira! Thank you!
I hate hearing stories about widows being taken advantage of, it just boils my potato. Thank you for taking the time to educate and share your knowledge. May God bless you greatly.
Call the Elder Abuse Hotline and report these companies! They will go after these companies. These should be part of the Aging and Disability Resource Dept in most states.
i am glad you but this video out im wanting to move to the village in about 2/3 years and i just hope someone comes up and tries to get me .... your a great guy for doing this ...
I was at Home Depot and a lady in a booth asked me if I wanted a free home testing of my tap water. I agreed and next thing I know I have a high pressure salesman at my house trying to sell a Rain Soft water system for $5000.00. Never speak to sales reps .
My wife wanted to enter a contest for a trip but the only trip we took was to court where they were crooks and never pulled proper permit for the job. They mailed us a check for what they never did and we had another company do the job for half.
This is so common. I live in another country now so when my mother needed minor work done, she was badly scammed in California and sold items they claimed were essential for her new built-in stove. She was usually cautious but did not understand the technical jargon they used. The over only needed the easily replaceable heating element for the bottom. I had replaced on in her former house for $19 in parts. But they charged her $2300. Later she went in for her annual checkup at 74 years old, and her doctor was on vacation so she got a referral to another doctor who had to admit rights to the same hospital. She had some ailments but nothing that was not well controlled by medication. The doctor she did not know took a look at her record and saw she had a golden medical insurance program as a state of California employee most of her life. He told her she needed a heart operation immediately and there was no time to wait for her doctor to return from vacation or to contact me 9,000 miles away. She got a million-dollar heart operation, and both her doctor and I were shocked. A nurse in her doctor's office contacted me and said she wanted to apprise me of the situation. Her doctor came back to find his long-time patient was conned into a dangerous unneeded operation but could not say anything to me directly in case we wanted to make a formal complaint or lawsuit.. It was a difficult recovery but she did recover in about 6 months and twice had developed staph infections when visiting the hospital for checks. Those staph infections were very hard to knock down and since she refused to stay in the hospital the insurance would not cover home care so she paid for it. The antibiotic she needed for the hospital-induced infection was in liquid form and had to be injected 1 time a day for 1 days. But it was not available for home care unless using a pump that connected to the phone line and only after a check cleared for each day, for $782 was FexEx'ed to the company back east would turn on the pump to inject it. On the 4th day of that routine, I found out from my sister what as going on. She gave me the name of the antibiotic and I checked with a girlfriend who was a doctor and she said she knew of it but it was not imported to where I was living, in St Petersburg Russia. She put in touch the distributed in Germany where is the company located. I was able to get an import waiver for it in 2 hours with the help of the doctor to get an import license. I flew to Germany and bought the antibiotic that cost me $14 per dose!! I flew back the same night and was in California 18 hours later and she was able to finish the course of injections without the pump and $782 per day charges. We considered suing the surgeon but my mother had been through so much that we decided it would be too hard on her. So it is all salesmen and even doctors who prey on the elderly. Many communities I found out later, have elder care watchdog groups to try to shield the elderly from being scammed but they are from a generation that tended to believe authority figures or government so many never reveal they were scammed. The water heater she had is a Demand Heater which draws a lot of current to heat the water as it is flowing to the shower or kitchen, but only when the hot water tap is flowing.. They are very good for people who sometimes now around to use hot water, such as those who work all day and return in the evening, because it does not rise any power keeping the water in the tank hot. I used one that was the size of a shoebox for a shower in my barn when I had a ranch. It sold me on the concept. Later when I moved to Russia found all apartments have a gas version and new construction country homes that most city families have which they might not visit all winter. She would have been better served if she never talked to the company which sold her an unneeded water heater but she probably never knew what that box outside was.
Try being a widow...they all think you're demented....my engineering degree makes fools of them all, and my accountant is a demon who hates this sort. My lawyers downright scary, Ladies and gentlemen, get the legal help you need...this mani s a great start.
something I will never have to worry about, but I appreciate what you are doing to show, I can do basically anything needed in home repair, automotive, auto-body, and welding. to make a comment, the water heater you showed the install, it has plastic pipe into, sorry, needs at least metal coming out of from hot side or both to be done correctly, if ever over heats, the plastic can deform & leak around threads or worse. right now I am doing some stuff for my closest living relatives, Uncle & his wife, they have treated me great all my life, since childhood 50+ years ago, now he is at point in his life where he cant do anything, & I am taking over, I refuse to charge a dime, some of material I am paying for out of my pocket, other items I have let my cousin go with me to purchase items needed to fix. but this family is only one I would help like that, when I went through rough times 20 years ago, they were there for me, as any great family should be. I wont allow anyone to take advantage of them!!!!!!!!!!! my only pay is usually a supper meal with my wife there, & watch a couple movies, to make a great day with family.
Yes, older people...heck I am 71...but of a newer generation....grew up in a time when authority figures or government were trusted unless proven otherwise. It was a different world when they grew up and trust was the default position.
You're right, very much not specific to the villages or even Florida for that matter. My parents were talked into getting a new furnace when there current one was still working, only about 10 years old. But in the villages, the scammers have a much bigger barrel into which they are shooting.
A Realtor that actually cares about his customers after the sale? Now THAT is unbelievable. Good job bruh.
Fred Ost this kind of personality doesn’t exist too much.
@@vg5157 , I thought so to but I am blessed with a beautiful caring realtor with whom I call a friend.
Most Realtors do care about their customers after the sale.
Imagine how many foreigners fall for this terrorism tactics, scaring and threatening them to death if they don't buy their services and products!
@@tombennington4348 Most? Let me clarify………99%
The world needs more humans like you. We need to put a stop to the theft!!! Especially our elderly!!!
As a fellow REALTOR in Florida, I applaud your HONESTY and INTEGRITY!
Too many salespeople are in it for the money only with NO conscious whatsoever.
Scamming the elder;y, or unwary, should be a police matter....
It is, so long as they’re actions rise to the level of fraud
Thank you Sir for alerting us to the dangers of getting conned into things that should come with a home. Im 66 and I'm just gonna rent.
@@lindaharris6146 That's a good plan Linda.
Imagine how many foreigners fall for this terrorism tactics! Scaring them to death if they don't buy their services and products!
@@briancline7349 "... _they're_ actions..."(they are actions) ?
*their* actions (possessive form)
Your parents taught you the values of honesty and integrity. Applause!!!
AMEN !!!
You are a blessing. My mother in-law almost fell for the same con artists till i stepped in. Man were they mad ! When they went over her ac system they closed off vents and turned her hot water heater to the lowest setting. Then had her walk through with them showing low ac flow and low hot water temp. After they left she called me. I went over with the realtor and reset it all back to normal with video coverage. Stuff hit the fan!! Always have a inspector of quality and honesty before buying a home. Thank You so much for this video.
Wow ! Those scammers actually tampered with perfectly good machinery in order to try and scam your mother in law ? Horrible ! I hope they paid dearly. Thank you for being there to prevent this !
As a retired widow I found this to be wonderful! Maybe this poor lady never knew about how to take care of such things in a home before because her husband always took care of them... Thanks so much! I’m sharing this...👍
You’re a decent human being, sir! Thank you for posting this video!
Thank you so much for this positive comment.
I Pray for more realtors like you. Decent, honest , kind & trying your best to help others , especially widows, as we are afraid & hesitant . TY for being who you are ! God Bless You !!!
That’s Exactly what I was going to post. You’re absolutely right. Ira is the man!
Thank you Sir. My husband is a retired electrician and he has always been the one to install and repair and build on our home.
If he passes on before me, all that knowledge will go with him. So I'm doubly grateful to you for showing me what could happen should I ever live alone.
When you move to a very different area, the scumbags crawl out from under the rocks. You are giving your clients the service they need and you are a good neighbor. I lived on the Mexican border for awhile and saw the same things happening. Good work. I am not moving to your area but you give us Southerners the good name that most of us deserve.
How could anyone give a thumbs down on this video, great advice, more agents should be like him !!!
Having been a realtor years back I can see you are an honest professional realtor, kudos! I worked in a Vancouver, BC area realty office for 2 years with the most unethical realtors I have ever seen. Many contract closings with missing critical information for the buyer. Sickening. One bought a resort only to find out after purchase the municipality take a large section of his property for public road expansion. Realtor knew, but withheld this. Made lots of money from this transaction. Sickening. You are providing an excellent service bringing light to this garbage. Thank you.
My elderly mother and I have a deal: no big purchases (over $500) without talking about it with me first. I have been able to help her not just avoid scams, though that is certainly an issue, but just to get the best deal (not best price, necessarily) on things. It usually takes just a little bit of research and calling around, talking to others - something that my mother has no patience for. The way businesses take advantage of the elderly is a huge problem and happens all the time.
Not just the elderly. Any vulnerable person (disabled, naive, immigrant).
I hope the state was contacted for each of those suppliers that took advantage of that poor lady's ignorance of mechanical systems and whether they were needed and how much she was charged. Serious offenses in Florida, especially against the elderly...
Probably useless. Those sectors have their own business lobbys even in small low population states to get regulations that favour them. FL would have been top priority. There's all sorts of regulations to keep people from going off the grid for example.
The Villages management could be circumventing the scammer problems in their area with some simple rules...but they don't care about these people so they continue to be scammed along with other serious issues in the Villages. I wouldn't let my Mother consider moving here because of all their issues. 👎👎👎👎👎
@@kbkmusicsnob The Villages is a joke, just a money pot for the Morse's when they already have billions from that community
Just another form of elder abuse!!
Before you buy in Florida, if you come from a totally different area, go down and rent somewhere for a year. Make sure its what you want. I lived a while in the Villages area, then over to St. Augustine area then back to the central part of the state near again The Villages. For some, maybe most, its fine or even great. For me, after renting for about a year and a half, I guess I just couldnt get use to the lay of the land, the flatness. Loved the ocean, for a while, and I've spent time on the gulf side and the Atlantic side. Now, I dont golf. And after a while, I decided I missed the hills and mountains in NW Arkansas. The change of seasons. But my point is, I'm glad I dipped my toes in the water so to speak before I bought. No state income tax, but oh boy the property taxes, the insurance if you live near a coastline. Just saying to sample the menu before you order.
I wouldn't buy a house in Florida again and imo and observation if the entire neighborhood is newer than 20 yo chances are good its sitting on former swampland thats been filled with quarry rock. Its only a matter of time before sinkholes and foundation cracks appear but each to their own..roll the dice.
Great advice. Thanks!
Sounds good to me… thanks 😊
It is great that you are looking out for people. You are a true member of your community. Your service to others is above and beyond . I have a home service company. For the last 30 years I have seen heartless actions by salesman.
Maybe the village's should warn folks as part of the move in process.
They should.
@veronica carlson move
Maybe the HOA gets a cut of the action.
Follow the money to find out why it's being tolerated.
Maybe The Villages are the ones selling these people the homeowners number
Hey, what a concept. I often wonder why anyone would want to live in one of these places.
Love this guy, great public service. I not moving there but he'd my realtor if I did.
Their all over the state of Florida, not just the Villages.
Not just in Florida, all over! I don't answer my phone if it's not someone I know.
Florida is really bad for scam artists.
I winter in Sebring, and after Irma moved through, several of my neighbors were scammed. One is a friend of mine, and a visit from the sheriff provided a full refund.
They're all over the United States!
Bless you, for making this video. We need to protect our elder citizens.
@@argtv100 You should watch my latest video... I made it for people EXACTLY like you.... You don't know me nor have you ever worked with me so how can you make any such claims?
Where were her children?
@@kidgreenhorn ....Sometimes it's the children or other close relatives who stand to gain freebies who are THE WORST. My ex husband was involved with a woman who conned her own sick and dying (of dementia) mother into signing a full power of attorney plus....change her will to give the daughter EVERYTHING, screwing over the other siblings completely. With offspring like that, who the hell needs enemies?
@Marjo .....OMG. POA doesn't give anyone the right to just steal. Of course, only you can decide whether it would be worth it to legally challenge your sister. I urge you to speak to your State's Atty, the AG's office, office for elder affairs or contact someone at AARP who could refer you to the proper agency acting as advocates for seniors' rights. What my ex's girlfriend and your sister did is not only immoral and unethical---it's downright criminal!
@Bonnie Holman ....Yes, she was and still is a conniving scumbag who played my ex and his one brother like a fiddle. That woman is a curse who causes emotional pain and financial loss for those close to her but they overlook it all and I will never understand why. Thankfully we had no children......really getting to know my ex and his family played a huge part in that decision.
It's hard to believe that it's been over 6 years since Dena & I began watching your videos. It's been 2 years since you worked your magic so we could buy our home, and we appreciate you! News Flash folks - Ira Miller knows his craft and can help you secure the home of your dreams!
Decency and integrity. Things that are in short supply nowadays. Thank you
Way to go Mr. Realtor! Honesty is the best policy.
Why would anyone thumbs down this video ? Good advice from this guy.
The scammers thumbed down the video. I guess this was her first house. Maybe she lived in apartments before.
Lousy video
@@lindabuck2777 He was trying to get the word out quickly, not win an award for video production.
Cause they own the scam companies.
Because its the sellers.
Thank you for this. Many seniors are vulnerable to scams -
Good video. It's not only the villages. It's all of Florida. When I first moved to Florida my dad was here 6 months. I asked how are the people around here and he slyly chuckled "watch your back".
This not only happens in The Villages, these guys, especially the water guys, are everywhere.
Thank you for posting about scamers. I bought a property in 2012 at Del Webb Golf & Country Club and I got scammed a few times. I was not familiar with many appliances & devices since my main residence is in Canada. I learned the hard way. Last time I reported a scamer to the local chamber of commerce. I suggest to check with it before contracting with any vendor.
You performed a great service to your community by posting this. The world needs more people like you that are honest.
Are you saying the HVAC contractor sold the lady the water heater as well? How old is the house? I would think an air handler would last about 10 years or so, mine lasted 7 or 8 before I had to swap out the coils, but the unit had a 10 year warranty so that was labor only.
Dirtbags will always prey upon the elderly, any retirement community is a prime target for them.
Boomer1941 noname I’m 63, i was a Merchant Mariner 20 years and then a graveshift Cab driver in a Casino Town 20 years, I just look sweet and have already had to take a few down!! Lol!!
Unfortunate as this may be, but it is all too common on every retirement community. The punishment should be doubled for this predatory practice by low life scum bags. Thanks for sharing this very important public service announcement. Every senior community needs to form a watch group for people to call and get advices on. A group of handy man / woman can serve in this group.
Karma
since she has receipts she can go to OPA office they specialize in older peopole being taken advantage, stealing from them
thank you for protecting senior citizens most especially and all of your clients I wish i had one like you when i bought my house . Now i will seek someone like you when i buy my retirement home thank you . God will reward you richly .
A quick scam is the 300 dollar capacitor when they come out to service ac unit. the part is 15-25 bucks retail. I was told I needed one 11 years ago told the guy get out of my house. It's been fine for 11 years.
I had a some pap smear tell me I needed a new air conditioner. Said it would be about $7000. I did some research on RUclips and thought I would just replace the capacitor and see. That's all it was. Cost me $30 and I put it in myself.
@@paulkoller8104 shame there are so many predators. it's bad in fl where they take advantage of seniors who retire to enjoy their golden years. it's theft plain and simple.
A Capacitor should cost no more than $3, the one you are talking about is an electrolytic and I have a few in my workshop. Pity Radio shack is no more.
I have seen this first hand in the villages. As an Hvac technician on vacation visiting my brother, he asked me to inspect his a/c unit that a local contractor told him was corroded beyond repair. It was in excellent condition and had plenty of years left. Seems to be a general lack of integrity taking advantage of unknowing trusting people.
Your brother announced his relative affluence by choosing the community and house. People could play down their means and live more modestly.
@@atteroljones6936
Florida is full of crooks
@atterol jones - So the homeowner is to blame for living in a nice home in a nice community? He’s to blame for almost being conned by a scammer HVAC tech?
Appreciate your advice ! Wish there were more people like you in this world
Part of my duty as an estate management service technician.
Is every homeowner and/or client is to give any non scheduled service or utilities representative my phone contact or info.
That usually settles everything.
Funny how they don't call me or harass my clients about any "imperative" issues after being informed of estate management hurdle.
Even if you don't have an estate manager...
Just act like you do!
Thank you Ira for being so honest and genuinely concerned about people. I'm a younger widow, and although my husband taught me alot about many things, life turns upside down and it is very difficult to make these kinds of decisions without our husbands knowledge and support. I'm so sorry for this woman but thankful she has family to return back to. I appreciate your videos and have been researching the Villages as a possible future home. I find your videos to be very helpful.
Yes ! I am 62 & single . Empty nester & proud , blessed Gramma. I like to look at videos on the Villages , and other places in FLA ... gathering info for possible future move. I am the demographic these predators would go after. Thank you to this kind gentleman for warning us !
I am sorry for your loss ! Liz
@@lizzabbott You may be in the demographic, but it sounds like they’d be sorely disappointed.
Thank you Ira, hope this helps thousands of people !!
Way to go Tom, see there are still some honest people left in world.
When your ready to retire it best to rent. Anything goes wrong let the management of the complex deal with it. If things don't get fix, just move. Avoid buying a lot of stuff, less things to move.
Past it certain age, if you move it's better to rent.
Not really you are dependent on landlord doing repairs, not raising rent etc
@@tradingwithwill7214 just don't move to a large city that's booming, where large corporations are relocating to. Then rent prices will sky rocket along with it.
Okay I'm gonna pause the video and say this... Please listen, i work at a home improvement store there In the villages and some of the things my customers come in and tell me are outrageous!!! I try my best to tell them the truth so that they can save their money all the time!! Just because you have money (or live in a community known for money) doesn't mean you have to spend it!! Always get a second opinion before signing any contract
Thank you for making us all more aware....no matter where we live! :)
Some of these a-holes can get pretty aggressive and intimidate newcomers. My advice, DO NOT do business with solicitors, if you need something, only work with local businesses who have been in business more than 15 years and get recommendations.
Those houses are all fairly new there. Why would she already need a whole new A/C system? Thanks Ira, exposure is the best prevention with these crooks.
Built fast cheapest subs they can find sell for as much as they can
You cant find anybody that will do a big repair and the repair will cost $2300 on an “ old” unit.
Because builders only use the smallest AC unit per square foot the code allows. Often the units are 2 small and need to work harder to cool and heat and wear out sooner.
Florida has lots of rust i think which ruins units
The lakes insiders pave the streets yearly, for pay and kickbacks, ext ect ect...looters..
It’s sure is helpful to have some one like you to let people know what is going on.
Very kind and decent of you, Sir ! Thank you thank you for taking the time to make this important video. And thank you for your genuine concern. My dear late Dad was a realestate broker for 30 years in Buffalo, NY. Hats off to you ! God bless you.
You are very welcome and thank you for the kind words
Thank you for doing this video., I am so proud that an agent took the time and energy to do this., It should save a lot of people a lot of money. You have to watch wherever you are buying. I am lucky because my husband is a Certified Home Inspector....Certified...that is the big deal...months of school and studying and then a 6 hour test. He actually caught the Villages trying to get away with a few things before they found out that he was certified and then they were back checking themselves. People should always get a reputable Home Inspector before buying any home. Again, Thanks Ira. Good Job.
Thank you, Mr. Miller, for this public service announcement! You are a Gentleman and Businessman with integrity.
Thanks for filming and posting this. Elder fraud is despicable.
I always ask my folks about projects,and we have good people around them. But not everyone has that,so thank you for posting this.
This is so true! They pull this type of scam on EVERYBODY that does not have knowledge. I'm in property management in Tampa and we have gone through many AC contractors, Plumbers and others trying to find good, honest businesses to deal with. If you have questions, call someone in the real estate business you trust and ask them. we are more than happy to help!
The sooner they make it a felony to take advantage of at risk people...the better. You are a person of integrity.
I can’t even watch the whole video I can feel my blood pressure rising. Maybe the Villages needs a better POA, maybe they need a good neighborhood Facebook page.
But you’ve done a wonderful thing. Thank you for being responsible.
If there were more people in the world like you Sir, the world would be a better place. You can lose everything but if you still have your integrity, you've got a lot and it will go a long way in life!
Sorry, I have lived in Florida off and on for nearly 50 years, 35 of them as a homeowner, and these types of rip-offs are prevalent all over Florida but are usually targeted at folks seen as elderly snowbirds.
This poor lady did not do her homework. If nothing else it doesn't sound like she bothered to get multiple estimates for work done.
Again, sad story, but not confined to The Villages.
If you take advantage of a person of any age just because you can, then you are no better than the gum stuck to the bottom of my shoe. This story breaks my heart.
I don't know how old this lady nor do I know her circumstances. One thing is certain though, the older you get, the harder it gets to do your "homework".
Thank you for your video! I've lived here in Florida for almost twenty years and know first hand that your warning is much needed!!! God bless you for caring about us seniors!
My pleasure
Very honorable for you to do this. I’m not in the Villages, but know a man and his wife that will most likely buy there. Passing this along.
The Villages should screen all contractors before they can enter the property.That unit wholesales for five hundred dollars
Bingo !
5/19/19.....I live near The Villages...in Lady Lake & used to be a real estate broker in Atlanta.
So many not-too-smart agents + lots of money-scammers in/around The Villages....esp bad on widowed ladies with nobody to "guide" them once they come to this area....b/c lots of ppl just don't know how to look for/choose the property that's "right for them" @ this retirement stage in their life.
i've seen your ads & been to some of your open houses. You have done a great job making this video. Next time I'm looking for a house, I'm hiring you!
I KNOW your video will help a bunch of ppl!
The HOAs should be held accountable for allowing these "Constrictors" into the "Villages".
Fk an HOA
How so? The HOA has no control over whom a resident contracts with for home services.
Herrick Inman they do have control,who has access
Yes absolutely!
They are them or get kickbacks and only use propaganda and bs as to inform encumbered "owners"..suckers!!!???
This was a good video for anyone buying anywhere. Thank you!
I dont know how people can sleep at night scamming anybody especially the elderly. This is terrible, just terrible. I appreciate your honesty & integrity. I think this would be a great place to retire but, I haven't been down there to stay for a week. Still deciding. Thank you so very much for sharing & doing this video. Stay safe and God bless!
Thank you for Good.people like you who have true compassion for others, especially for strangers. One aspect of Love is to share knowledge. Thank you for your honest and conscientious videos. All the best to you sir.
Buying a house has so many factors to know. Thanks for the POINTERS .
Thank you for exposing these criminals!
You're a good man for doing this video. I previously owned a home in Fla. and found most of the work done on my home was done half-assed. I was very happy to sell my property.
Great video Ira! I’m sure this will help some people here in The Villages
You Sir... Are 100% Correct...!!! I have been a technician for 40 Years. I have seen this BS happening to people over and over. Its Crazy. Good Job..!!! You can sell me my Next Property.
You made a great video. Unfortunately, scammers have been around since the beginning of time. That’s our world. Buyers beware.
It's worth every penny. The parties in the Villages are INCREDIBLE !!!
hey i would love to have you as my realtor agent-you are a rare breed-a honest,caring realtor
god bless you for it
Katherine, Thank you for your comment. If you ever decide to purchase here let me know, I would love to help.
IRA, Thank you for your HONEST, INTEGRITY, and BLUNTNESS!! Each one of those companies will answer one day for what they have done!! Scamming people as they did needs to be a police matter and one that is punishable not just a slap on the hand.
Thank you for the education! We just purchased a villa, now I’ll wait for the calls and tell them to fly a kite.
That is why I wanted to get this message out as soon as possible... Usually I make these videos a little more professionally but I knew that time was of the essence and I should have made this information available way before now. I am happy to know that they won't get you ...
No soliciting in TV - someone comes knocking on your door and wants your information, don't be afraid to seem rude by telling them to get lost and report them - they get your information by knocking, representing that they may be associated with The Villages and noting it all - they then sell it to local companies that try to sell you all kinds of things, most specifically, water treatment systems.
You're a good guy for taking a stand like this, bud. God bless you.
Im lucky cause i have no problem not answering the phone ever and when i sometimes do i answer who's calling and have no problem just cutting off the conversation !
People that scam are evil should be charged with elder abuse also
I usually answer with " Fraud department, how may I help you? I never say yes if someone asks me if I can hear them. I just keep saying no, I can't for my hearing aid!! Then i start yelling at them to call me back tomorrow 😂😂😂😂😂. I also speak to them in German or another language, or just gibberish!! I've also threatened to sue the hell out of them as I'm on the do not call list!! That usually works pretty well also. I keep my voice mail full, and don't answer the phone unless I recognize the number. That may not work for everyone especially if your doctor's office etc isn't on your contact list.
Thank you so very much for your time and kindness, Sir!!! God bless you!!! Craig
I do not know the age of the owner. I am just wondering why she did not consult with her children? Great advice from this realtor. I know as my parents aged I was thankful that my dad always consulted me on large purchases.
Most of these people are easy prey BECAUSE the will not trust their kids or their local people like their banker or even their doctor...but a Con man tell them what they want to hear...Many first hand experiences from people that I know and coworkers....of aging parents who hide their finances from them and give away whatever they have to the con man...sometimes substantial amounts ...but sadly often just all that they have...
In one case that I am familiar with...one of my coworkers a middle aged man....got a call from the bank....the banker called him and the Sheriff...His Dad was down at the bank with a stranger and he was trying to close out his account and get his cash to give the guy....The banker was stalling....but the fact is it was Dad's money and he can do what ever he wants with it....The guy wasn't intimidated by the sheriff or the banker...Because he knew where he stood with the law....They eventually got a judge to give control of the remaining money to a guardian...but Dad never forgave his son..Quote...."You kids just want to get all of my money"!....
Frequently they are consumed with the need for secrecy....while at the very same time also compelled to to place absolute trust in a stranger...I know that my own Mother and Stepfather absolutely didn't want any of the kids to know any of their business while they were alive...and Yes they were exploited by Financial Advisors and Estate Planners...Falling prey to setting up trusts and placing no assets in them....making investment choices that only profited the advisor and so on...
The point is that if you want to have free choice...It by definition has to allow the ability to make bad choices!....It is simply binary there is no other way...Either Mom & Dad...are adults who have the autonomy to make their own choices ....Or they don't and they need a keeper!...
Hat's off to you Sir, not many realtors are honest and helpful like you!
Great job. I used to live there and so it MANY TIMES, one water guy tried to sell me one for $8000, I laughed and showed him my filtration system I installed for $150 myself. LOL. Call it naive, or call it stupid--yes, that why they are predators because so many people just do not research things before they sign on the dotted line.
Ira, you might also want to add that there are special laws in place in Florida for taking advantage of the elderly. They apply to anyone 60 or older and include penalties which are in ADDITION to existing laws against consumer fraud. I am also an MLS Realtor in the area, but I'll refrain from saying which company! Nice video sir.
Bless you for taking time to give this great advice.
God Bless and Keep Helping folks out with the God honest truth, many people are thinking of moving there. Thank you and subscribed.
That other agent needs to be stopped from trading. It's a standard part of the job to point out the features and the problems. You are a decent man.
Thank you for the honesty and heads up for the scammers and con art companies. It sickens me how the professional scammers can operate so freely.
My BIL and SIL bought in The Villages, and tried to persuade my late husband and I to do likewise.
We declined.
Thank you for looking out for your clients!
Thank you so much for looking out for the people in the villages, we need more people like you on this world!!!@
Thank You Stephen!
Very welcome
This whole thing makes me sick! As a single lady retiring to Southern Florida soon, I won't be suckered out my money. Thanks for the video!!!
This is very good advice to anyone not just in the Villages but anyone who might be older and does not have someone younger looking out for their best interests. There are so many scammers out there. Buyer beware! Great video Ira! Thank you!
The Villages is large enough to have an owner's list of preferred contractors prepared by different groups in the Villages and recommended by owners.
I hate hearing stories about widows being taken advantage of, it just boils my potato. Thank you for taking the time to educate and share your knowledge. May God bless you greatly.
Call the Elder Abuse Hotline and report these companies! They will go after these companies. These should be part of the Aging and Disability Resource Dept in most states.
i am glad you but this video out im wanting to move to the village in about 2/3 years and i just hope someone comes up and tries to get me .... your a great guy for doing this ...
I was at Home Depot and a lady in a booth asked me if I wanted a free home testing of my tap water. I agreed and next thing I know I have a high pressure salesman at my house trying to sell a Rain Soft water system for $5000.00.
Never speak to sales reps .
See what I am talking about... It's ridiculous
Rain Soft...stay far away.
Your water will ALWAYS test bad.
Know that up front.
Their aim is to make that "test" NOT free!
My wife wanted to enter a contest for a trip but the only trip we took was to court where they were crooks and never pulled proper permit for the job. They mailed us a check for what they never did and we had another company do the job for half.
Rain soft sucks crooks
Great video and thank you for making it !! Hopefully enough people see it and spread the word to their ederly relatives.
God Bless you patriot thank you for your commentary sir
This is so common. I live in another country now so when my mother needed minor work done, she was badly scammed in California and sold items they claimed were essential for her new built-in stove. She was usually cautious but did not understand the technical jargon they used. The over only needed the easily replaceable heating element for the bottom. I had replaced on in her former house for $19 in parts. But they charged her $2300. Later she went in for her annual checkup at 74 years old, and her doctor was on vacation so she got a referral to another doctor who had to admit rights to the same hospital. She had some ailments but nothing that was not well controlled by medication. The doctor she did not know took a look at her record and saw she had a golden medical insurance program as a state of California employee most of her life. He told her she needed a heart operation immediately and there was no time to wait for her doctor to return from vacation or to contact me 9,000 miles away. She got a million-dollar heart operation, and both her doctor and I were shocked. A nurse in her doctor's office contacted me and said she wanted to apprise me of the situation. Her doctor came back to find his long-time patient was conned into a dangerous unneeded operation but could not say anything to me directly in case we wanted to make a formal complaint or lawsuit.. It was a difficult recovery but she did recover in about 6 months and twice had developed staph infections when visiting the hospital for checks. Those staph infections were very hard to knock down and since she refused to stay in the hospital the insurance would not cover home care so she paid for it. The antibiotic she needed for the hospital-induced infection was in liquid form and had to be injected 1 time a day for 1 days. But it was not available for home care unless using a pump that connected to the phone line and only after a check cleared for each day, for $782 was FexEx'ed to the company back east would turn on the pump to inject it. On the 4th day of that routine, I found out from my sister what as going on. She gave me the name of the antibiotic and I checked with a girlfriend who was a doctor and she said she knew of it but it was not imported to where I was living, in St Petersburg Russia. She put in touch the distributed in Germany where is the company located. I was able to get an import waiver for it in 2 hours with the help of the doctor to get an import license. I flew to Germany and bought the antibiotic that cost me $14 per dose!! I flew back the same night and was in California 18 hours later and she was able to finish the course of injections without the pump and $782 per day charges. We considered suing the surgeon but my mother had been through so much that we decided it would be too hard on her.
So it is all salesmen and even doctors who prey on the elderly. Many communities I found out later, have elder care watchdog groups to try to shield the elderly from being scammed but they are from a generation that tended to believe authority figures or government so many never reveal they were scammed.
The water heater she had is a Demand Heater which draws a lot of current to heat the water as it is flowing to the shower or kitchen, but only when the hot water tap is flowing.. They are very good for people who sometimes now around to use hot water, such as those who work all day and return in the evening, because it does not rise any power keeping the water in the tank hot. I used one that was the size of a shoebox for a shower in my barn when I had a ranch. It sold me on the concept. Later when I moved to Russia found all apartments have a gas version and new construction country homes that most city families have which they might not visit all winter. She would have been better served if she never talked to the company which sold her an unneeded water heater but she probably never knew what that box outside was.
There is a special place in Hell for these people! I am retired and I get a dozen phone calls a day from people wanting money!
@Jimmy Meade a lot of communities have no soliciting signs posted.
Try being a widow...they all think you're demented....my engineering degree makes fools of them all, and my accountant is a demon who hates this sort. My lawyers downright scary, Ladies and gentlemen, get the legal help you need...this mani s a great start.
Ignore them and block their numbers.
I placed a fax machine recording on my VM box. Just in case. 🤣
Best way is, to disconnect home phone, no more calls from crooks
something I will never have to worry about, but I appreciate what you are doing to show, I can do basically anything needed in home repair, automotive, auto-body, and welding.
to make a comment, the water heater you showed the install, it has plastic pipe into, sorry, needs at least metal coming out of from hot side or both to be done correctly, if ever over heats, the plastic can deform & leak around threads or worse.
right now I am doing some stuff for my closest living relatives, Uncle & his wife, they have treated me great all my life, since childhood 50+ years ago, now he is at point in his life where he cant do anything, & I am taking over, I refuse to charge a dime, some of material I am paying for out of my pocket, other items I have let my cousin go with me to purchase items needed to fix. but this family is only one I would help like that, when I went through rough times 20 years ago, they were there for me, as any great family should be. I wont allow anyone to take advantage of them!!!!!!!!!!! my only pay is usually a supper meal with my wife there, & watch a couple movies, to make a great day with family.
So this is not specific to the Villages, it’s just that these predators know that seniors are more trusting and Villages owners are seniors?
Yes, older people...heck I am 71...but of a newer generation....grew up in a time when authority figures or government were trusted unless proven otherwise. It was a different world when they grew up and trust was the default position.
You're right, very much not specific to the villages or even Florida for that matter. My parents were talked into getting a new furnace when there current one was still working, only about 10 years old. But in the villages, the scammers have a much bigger barrel into which they are shooting.
Yes, the title scared me. Made me think this was a problem with The Villages, but it’s really about scammers taking advantage of the elderly.