Rockland County Warns Residents to Beware of Crooked Contractors

Rockland County residents are being warned by the county to be aware of crooked contractors scamming homeowners.

An estimated 1 in 10 people falls victim to Home Improvement Contracting Scams. So far this year, the Rockland County Office of Consumer Protection indicates families have been scammed out of over $200,000. In a recent scheme, a Rockland County family was scammed out of $90,000 by a contractor who promised to renovate their yard while the family was away on vacation but never did and has since disappeared.

To help prevent home improvement scams, residents are warned to steer clear of unsolicited contractors, get a written contract, never pay until the job is complete, and only use a licensed contractor.

Every home improvement project over $250 requires a written contract. 

A down payment shall not exceed $1,000 or 15% of the contract price, whichever is less. Exceptions to this must be stated within the written contract and agreed upon.

If a conflict arises between the consumer and business, Consumer Protection can assist with the dispute and mediation process.

Complaints regarding terrible workmanship from unlicensed vendors or an unlicensed vendor scamming a consumer out of money for an uncompleted job can also be investigated by our Office of Consumer Protection resulting in bringing the responsible party to Criminal Court. The Office of Consumer Protection also can impound vehicles.