Fighting Home-Improvement Fraud in Iowa

AARP Iowa is backing two proposals to provide better protection against home-repair fraud.

A plan from the Iowa County Attorneys Association would create a new criminal offense for home-improvement fraud, making it easier for prosecutors to file theft charges against shady operators who run off with down payments.

Iowa’s attorney general’s office is also proposing that contractors be required to post $75,000 in surety bonds, adding a layer of protection for consumers.

Both proposals have been introduced as bills in the state General Assembly.

AARP Iowa believes that the measures are needed particularly to protect older homeowners, who are vulnerable to scams and whose real estate may be their main or only asset.

For more information, go to aarp.org/ia.