Mason Passes Fraud Protection Measure for Seniors

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – To help protect senior citizens from door-to-door scams, state Rep. Joyce Mason, D-Gurnee, passed legislation this week giving consumers over the age of 65 up to 15 days to cancel certain contracts.

“As I speak with residents in my community, I hear stories of older adults being taken advantage of by fraudulent contractors offering over-priced and unnecessary home services, such as roof or fencing repairs,” Mason said. “This legislation will give seniors a larger window to cancel contracts made with door-to-door salespeople for services that they may not need or truly want.”

Mason’s House Bill 2643 allows consumers over the age of 65 to cancel contracts for home repairs or remodeling within 15 days if the sale was made at their home. The measure further protects seniors by allowing for cancellation even if work has been initiated and prohibiting contractors from selling contracts to lenders. Current law provides only three days to cancel contracts made at a person’s home.

“Protecting the most vulnerable members of our community from being at risk for fraud is one of my top priorities as a legislator,” Mason said. “I will continue to create and support legislation that protects seniors from scams and deceptive business practices.”