Not every scam comes through a screen — some knock politely on your front door. The crew with "leftover asphalt" for your driveway. The roofer who "noticed" damage from the street. The free inspection that finds an expensive emergency. In this episode, host Mark Sullivan steps off the keyboard and onto the porch to break down the in-person home repair con — why it targets older homeowners, how it leans on our good manners, the dangerous "distraction burglary" version, and a simple, confident game plan for handling any unexpected knock. Includes guidance grounded in FBI and FTC consumer-protection resources.

In this episode: the driveway-paving and roof-repair classics, the cash-only / "let me drive you to the bank" red flag, why letting a stranger inside is a physical-safety risk, how to vet a real contractor (multiple written quotes, licensing, your own timeline), how to verify a "utility worker," and your permission slip — you can always say no at the door and never decide or pay on the spot.

Note: Online Scams — Real Stories of Fraud and How to Identify a Scammer has no partnership, sponsorship, or financial relationship with any organization, contractor, or service mentioned in this episode. Resources are shared purely for listener benefit.

• Home repair / contractor scams as a common threat to older adults. Common scams targeting older citizens include home repair and contractor scams, alongside romance, tech support, grandparent, government impersonation, and sweepstakes/lottery scams. FBI, "Scammers Target Older Adult Victims" (fbi.gov/news/stories/scammers-target-older-adult-victims).
• Door-to-door / home improvement scam tactics. Reflects standard FTC and state consumer-protection guidance: unsolicited offers, "leftover materials," pressure for same-day decisions, cash-only/upfront payment demands, unlicensed operators, and substandard or phantom work. FTC consumer education (consumer.ftc.gov); confirm current wording before recording.
• Distraction burglary / utility impersonation. Reflects law-enforcement and consumer-protection warnings about scammers posing as utility workers or contractors to gain entry or distract while an accomplice steals valuables. General police/consumer-protection guidance; confirm wording via a reputable source (e.g., consumer.ftc.gov or a state AG office) before recording.
• Vetting contractors — multiple quotes, licensing, verification. Standard FTC/consumer guidance on hiring legitimate contractors. consumer.ftc.gov; confirm before recording.
• Reporting resources mentioned. Local police (for theft or entry); state attorney general / local consumer protection offices (for contractor fraud); FTC: ReportFraud.ftc.gov and consumer.ftc.gov. AARP Fraud Watch Network helpline (free, non-members welcome).