Video Aims To Educate Public On Home Improvement Safeguards

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 12, 2008

For more information, please contact:
Danny Lopez, Communications Director, City of Bloomington, 349-CITY, lopezd@bloomington.in.gov

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Bloomington, IN - Monroe County Prosecuting Attorney Chris Gaal and the Elder Crimes Task Force, in collaboration with the City of Bloomington, have released a public education project entitled, "Home Improvement Fraud: What You Need To Know."

The project is a 30-minute educational video aimed at educating people about potential fraudulent home improvement practices. It features topics such as choosing the right contractor, checking references, getting a written contract and payment issues and includes advice from Bloomington City Council member Chris Sturbaum, Director of the City of Bloomington Housing and Neighborhood Development Department Lisa Abbott, and many others.

The video is available to watch at any time on the Community Access Television Services (CATS) Web site at [http://stream.hoosier.net/cats/]. The Office of the Monroe County Prosecuting Attorney also has distributed free DVD copies of the film to social service agencies, health care providers, churches and other organizations concerned with the needs of the elderly population.

Bloomington Mayor Mark Kruzan said this is an important Community Collaboration, alerting seniors and others of potentially fraudulent activity.

"I continue to be impressed with the work Prosecutor Gaal and his staff do to prevent predatory practices against our residents," Kruzan said. "I also thank CATS for the work its staff has provided in airing this important video on cable access stations and for archiving it on the CATS Web site."

Organizations wishing to receive a free copy can contact the Office of the Monroe County Prosecuting Attorney at 349-2670.

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