Like many communities, my neighborhood in Washington, D.C., has an active neighborhood listserv. Neighbors post questions — “where can I find a good plumber?” — announcements, provide (very) local news updates — “the traffic light at Morrison St. has been repaired” — discussion about zoning issues, etc.

I rely on it for leads on babysitters, and to keep up with news like whether the hours at the local library branch are changing.

Today’s post was different, however. It was from a neighbor of a 90-year-old gentleman who lives alone, and it was a important reminder about how we need to watch out for our neighbors, especially the vulnerable.

“As many of us do in this neighborhood, we keep an eye on one of our elderly neighbors. This evening he came to us to tell us of a story that is probably all too common, just not reported, as they are embarrassed about it, or not sure that it really could happen to them,” wrote the listserv poster.

“This week he had some workman clean up his garden, and he paid them and all was good. Then yesterday or today one of the workers came and knocked on his door and demanded payment for the work he did.

“Our neighbor told him he had contracted with the company to do the work, and the guy said, ‘yeah but I did the work, now I need to be paid.’ Thankfully our neighbor chose not to pay this guy.

“The workman got our neighbor out of his home, and would not let him back in until he agreed to pay him, which our neighbor did not. Our neighbor said, ‘I think I will call the police’ (which sadly he did not) and the workman got angry, punched him in the face, and left without anything.

“This incident has gotten him so upset that he has come to stay with us, as he is afraid to be in his own home alone,” the listserv poster wrote.

The listserv poster reminded all of us — and I’m passing this on to you — to watch out for your vulnerable neighbors, including those who are elderly, as they can be easy marks for this kind of bullying.

— Lori Woehrle

An update: The DC police, who also participate on the listserv, stepped in and are now on the lookout for the workman.