COA to publish state consumer-affairs contractor guidance for residents

The COA director said she received two flyers from the Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs offering guidance for residents who need to hire contractors: a one-page checklist titled '10 ways to protect yourself' and a link to a searchable state page that shows contractor registration status and any public complaints.

She proposed making copies of the flyers, adding a direct link on the COA website to the state contractor search page and encouraging staff and peer tech volunteers to help seniors navigate the site. The board agreed this is a useful resource to reduce scams and that the COA should not endorse specific contractors but can show how residents can verify registration and complaints.

No formal vote was taken; the COA intends to post the materials online and provide in-person assistance for residents who need help using the state search tool.