Friday, June 24, 2016

WV Seniors in flooded areas can call for free legal assistance

Seniors age 60+ in every county in WV can call WV Senior Legal Aid 1-800-229-5068 to talk to a lawyer for free. Seniors in counties who have been hit by this week's massive flooding across the state may especially need legal help regarding:

  • FEMA benefits
  • other public benefits
  • landlord/tenant issues
  • insurance claims
  • contractor issues
  • creating new documents for those lost in the flood

Any disaster brings scammers and predators out of the woodwork so communities should be extra vigilant during the recovery. Check out licensing, insurance, and references carefully before choosing a contractor. Don't sign a contract without carefully reading it, don't be bashful about getting advice from a professional or a trusted smart friend before signing or agreeing to pay. Get more than one bid and recognize that the cheapest one may not necessarily be the best choice. Urgency and scarcity are hallmarks of scams, so don't let anyone pressure you into taking a step before you have done your homework.

Same goes for sending donations. West Virginians are generous people who want to help those who need it, and scammers know that. Be sure your donation is going to a reputable non-profit who has a track record of providing effective community assistance.

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