“What has happened in Covington is happening all over this country. In a typical scenario, there’s a knock on your door and usually it’s a pleasant man who informs you that he’s just completed a roof or a paint job, or some other job, down the road. Passing your home, he happened to notice that your roof is badly in need of repair. The shingles are dry and curling and ready to pop off, or he’ll tell you that your tin roof is in need of renailing to keep the rain out. He might mention that heavy rains are predicted for your area, and you could sustain thousands of dollars of damage to the attic and ceiling if you don’t take care of your roof immediately. He tells you that the water damage won’t show inside the house until sections of your roof have rotted, and he paints a frightening picture of soggy insulation attracting mold in your attic. Lucky for you, he says, he has materials left over from a job he’s just finished, and he can fix your roof cheap for x amount of dollars.

“He seems honest, real, and sincere, and you’re frightened at the prospect of a leaking roof. He seems to be offering you a really good deal, and he looks so clean-cut and honest. You agree and hand over cash, and off he goes to collect his tools or the lumber he says he’ll need, and that’s the last you see of him or your money.”

Heads nod. People shift in their seats. Attorney Shortell quotes statistics.

“Our senior population accounts for way too large a percentage of consumer fraud. As many as thirty percent of all seniors fall victim to a scam, whether it be home repairs, the lottery, travel, or something else.”

“Why is that, do you think?” a man in the second row asked.

“Many of you grew up at a time when business was conducted with a handshake. You trusted the person whose hands people were shaking and you prefer to believe it’s still that way. Also, many older people live alone, and they’re glad to have a caller, especially someone as pleasant as these scammers usually are. From the scammers’ point of view, whether it’s true or not, older widows have been left well-off by their husbands and have money in the bank.”

A woman raised her hand and was acknowledged. Grace recognized the woman from the beauty parlor but could not put a name to the face.