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The team has already rooted out dozens, forcing them to either comply with state registration laws or face fines of up to $10,000 each.
“Each year, phony contractors and unregistered contractors rip off hundreds of New Jersey consumers, leaving them on the hook for as little as $200 to as much as $100,000 or more,” state Attorney General Paula T. Dow said.
“When contractors register with the state, they provide consumers with a valuable tool that helps them learn about the company’s background and make an informed choice before letting a contractor into their home,” she added.
Consumers should know that state law requires that home improvement contractors obtain a registration number that begins “13VH …” and must be displayed prominently on their vehicles.
To register, a home improvement contractor must provide proof of liability insurance and disclose a legitimate business address.
Complaints about dishonest or shoddy home improvement contractors were the second-most common type of complaint the State Division of Consumer Affairs received from consumers in 2010, representing 1,401 of the 13,761 total.
“We’re going on the offensive,” said Thomas R. Calcagni, Acting Director of the State Division of Consumer Affairs. “In the past, we would take action against the unregistered contractor only as consumer complaints were received. No longer. Now, we’re taking the fight to them.
“If you are a home improvement contractor, and you’re operating outside of the law, we’re coming after you. And if you don’t fall in line, you’ll pay.”
Home improvement contractors who have yet to register with the state should do so using materials found at: CLICK HERE
Meanwhile, consumers looking to hire someone to work on their house can check an online database of roughly 43,000 registered home improvement contractors statewide: njconsumeraffairs.gov
Other helpful information is available there, as well.
Information is also available at: National Consumer Awareness Week
Consumers who believe they’ve been ripped off can file a complaint at njconsumeraffairs.gov or by 1-800-242-5846 (toll-free within New Jersey) or 973-504-6200.
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