Manhattan-New Lenox TRIAD Announces June 26th Presentation "Housing Scams"

The Manhattan-New Lenox TRIAD for seniors would like to invite senior citizens (age 50 and up) from the area to attend their monthly meeting on Thursday, June 26th,  at 1:30pm, at the New Lenox Police Station Community Room located at 701 West Haven in New Lenox. 

This month’s presentation will be, “Housing Scams”   The program will be presented by the Office of the Illinois Attorney General and will include the following information:

· Mortgage and foreclosure related scams and fraud.  The distressed condition of the national housing market, paired with high unemployment, has created a fertile environment for unscrupulous fraudsters seeking to take advantage of desperate homeowners.

· The rights of homeowners and the laws that protect them.  Attorney General Lisa Madigan is committed to protecting the public interest and acting on behalf of the people of Illinois. The Consumer Protection Division protects Illinois consumers victimized by fraud, deception, and unfair business practices.

· The Consumer Financial Protection bureau and their role in the mortgage and banking industry and many of the changes since the financial crisis. Their mission is to make markets for consumer financial products and services work for Americans — whether they are applying for a mortgage, choosing among credit cards, or using any number of other consumer financial products.

· Home repairs scams.  How to protect yourself and recognize home repair scams.  Complaints received by the Office of the Illinois Attorney General demonstrate just how unscrupulous home repair contractors use some common techniques to gain the confidence of home owners.

An informed consumer is the first line of defense against abusive practices.  Consumers need to get the information they need to make the financial decisions they believe are best for themselves and their families—that prices are clear up front, that risks are visible, and that nothing is buried in fine print. In a market that works, consumers should be able to make direct comparisons among products and no provider should be able to use unfair, deceptive, or abusive practices.

A major purpose of TRIAD is to develop, expand and implement effective crime prevention and health and safety educational programs for seniors in our community. The Manhattan-New Lenox TRIAD is made up of several different agencies and organizations from New Lenox and Will County.  We are working hard to bring much needed information on criminal prevention, health and safety issues to the senior community here in New Lenox. 

There is no registration needed or membership needed to attend this or any of the TRIAD meetings.  These meetings are for all senior citizens in and around our community.  Please join us.  

For more information please call Kathie Johnson at New Lenox Township (815) 485-6431.