*CONSUMER ALERT ..HOME-REPAIR RIP-OFF scams targeting senior citizens

Here are some of the most common scams targeting the elderly:
A HOME-REPAIR RIP-OFF

How it works: A crew shows up at your door, saying they're working in the neighborhood. They noticed your house needs some work, and being nice guys, they'll do it quick and cheap -- cash preferred, of course. (Variations involve offers to do yard work or use up house paint left over from other jobs.)

After they bang around a bit, they may report the problems are more extensive -- and expensive -- than they first thought. But they're offering a great price just for you.

If you bite, you'll be out a lot of money for unnecessary or shoddy work.

Warning signs: It's a "now or never'' offer, just while they're in the neighborhood.

They want a large down payment before any work is done.

They offer to take you to the bank to get money.

They try to steer you away from talking to anyone else. They may say that a building inspector would condemn your house or your family might try to move you into a nursing home if they knew your house was in such bad shape.

They try to sweet-talk you into trusting them.

How to fight back: Don't let strangers in your house.

Insist on getting a second opinion.

Check references. Any letters they show you may be falsified.

Get the name of the company and the individuals involved (if it's a scam, they'll probably be bogus, but they may lead to an arrest).

Write down license-plate numbers.

Report suspicious solicitations to the police. Call before you hand over any money. If they're legit, they shouldn't mind.

Talk to your neighbors. You may save someone else from being ripped off.