The Consequence of Hiring "Under the table"

We all have been warned and reminded not to hire people "under the table" for various contract work, but lets face it, we've all done it at one point or another. A family member of mine was recently reminded why saving a few dollars by hiring this way can cost us more money in the long run.

She hired a man to re-sod a lawn, the sod never caught and when she tried to contact him to discuss what had happened, she wasn't able to reach him...ever. So she was left with a lawn, no better than before, and now down multiple hundreds of dollars. Years past, and she finally found out, by chance, that he had switched businesses and was attempting to run a seemingly more honest operation, despite claiming to not recognize her when she confronted him. To confirm that he had in fact recognized her, he has called her friend repeatedly, who has coincidently hired him, to ensure she was happy with his work, etc.

Good for this man that he has seemingly turned his practices around, but how many people did he rip off in the process?

I have to ask myself as well if this family member of mine was targeted, both because she is a woman and a senior. I am forever hearing stories of seniors, in our community, who are taken advantage of. For example, a 93 year old female neighbor of mine went shopping for a base model Sedan, and came home in a  $30,000, souped up Sedan with specialty rims and sun roof and didn't know how to operate 90% of the vehicles functions. Was she taken advantage of? Most definitely.

Let this be a warning to you. Have a legitimate contract with those whom you hire, for whatever handyman type jobs you need completed. Hire reputable people with real company names behind them, supporting and guaranteeing their work. Don't just accept a business card as legitimate proof of business. Do a little research before you hire. As much as I would like to support "the little guy", working on the side to top up his income, it's not worth the risk of being left with a mess and then ultimately having to hire someone else to clean it up. Finally, if you know of a senior, living on their own, in your community, consider reaching out and offering them some assistance. I'm sure the little elderly lady next door would appreciate it.