Scammers deceive elderly with fake home repair offers

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Pancho Villareal, an attorney with the Garcia & Villareal Law Firm, is issuing a warning to Rio Grande Valley residents about a group of scammers posing as home improvement contractors.

Villareal says scammers have been targeting elderly individuals at flea markets and in local neighborhoods.

According to Villareal, the scam began earlier this summer, and there are now as many as ten similar cases reported throughout the Valley. The individuals behind the fraud are still reportedly collecting personal information from vulnerable residents and making false promises about affordable home repair services.

San Juan resident Carlota Muñoz says that in May, she was approached at a flea market in Alamo by a woman who offered low-cost home improvements. She agreed to use the service; however, after minimal work was done, Muñoz says she received a bill for $97,300. She says she never agreed to such a high amount for just a paint job and a door installation.

The invoice was linked to Comfort Services, a McAllen air conditioning company that, according to Muñoz, never provided any services.

Villareal represents Comfort Services, and he says the company itself was a victim. He explained that the scammers used the company’s name to gain access to financing options.

“Comfort Services is definitely not involved,” Villareal said. “They’ve hired me to represent them, and we’re filing police reports with local authorities. We’re working with the district attorney’s office to stop these people,” he adds.

According to Villareal, the scammers are offering to repair roofs and secure financing on their behalf. They instruct victims to fill out personal information, promising quick service.

In many cases, the loan is approved, but little work is done, leaving homeowners with a large amount of debt, according to Villareal.

He urges anyone who believes they were a target to report it to their local police department.

Residents are also advised to take precautions when dealing with contractors by verifying that businesses are legitimate. He recommends asking for a website, a signed quote, or a business card before agreeing to any services.