Rockland Officials Warn of Rise in Contractor Scams as Weather Warms

By Y.M. Lowy

As the weather warms up and people start thinking about fixing up their homes, officials in Rockland County are warning residents about a yearly problem that comes right along with it: contractor scams.

This is the time of year when scammers go door to door, pretending to be legitimate contractors. They may tell you they noticed something wrong with your roof, driveway, or siding, and try to pressure you into fixing it right away. Some use scare tactics, claiming the damage is urgent or dangerous, pushing you to make a quick decision on the spot.

In many cases, they ask for money upfront and either do poor-quality work or disappear entirely.

Before hiring anyone, make sure they are properly licensed and insured. Take time to get a few estimates and check reviews. A real contractor will never rush you into making a decision. Also, avoid paying the full amount upfront. Payments should be tied to work that’s actually completed.

If someone shows up uninvited, refuses to show proper identification, or seems overly aggressive, that’s a red flag.

Authorities encourage anyone who encounters suspicious activity to report it to the Rockland County Department of Consumer Protection.