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Protecting seniors from getting soaked
Whistleblower hears from plenty of people who feel they’ve been overcharged for goods and services. It’s even more infuriating for those who see their elderly relatives get taken in. Here’s one story:
My 79 year old mother had a slow drain in the main bathroom. Drain cleaner didn't do the trick, and after further review, it was determined that the pipes from the sink to the wall needed replacement. Time for a plumber. A company she had out before to clear a drain for her was called first - but told her that they only did drain cleaning. She asked for a reference and was given [plumbing company]. They have an A+ rating on the BBB website so they were called. They came out and did the work. Replaced the drain assembly and the trap assembly. Also snaked the line as best he could (about 15 minutes worth). She was charged $782.00 for a less than 2 hour job. … I spoke with… the owner and was told that's their price. He actually had the [hubris] to tell me they under-charged her for the trap assembly! But, I guess that's OK, because he also forgot to give her the senior citizen discount of 5%...wow...I called 4 other plumbing companies in the Twin Cities and was told by each of them that to replace a drain assembly and a trap assembly would be in the $125.00 - $150.00 range. I just emailed a union shop and was told $150.00 - $200.00. I think my 79 year old mom was taken.
How can you protect Grandpa and Grandma from being gouged?
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