Posted: Thursday, 18 March 2010 5:42AM
State Officials Warn Of Price Gouging Due To The Storm
|
As residents recover from this weekend's flooding and wind storm, state officials caution people to beware of price gouging and home repair work offered by unregistered contractors.
Once a state of emergency has been declared, it is illegal for anyone to sell related merchandise or services needed for more than 10% above the normal selling price. A state of emergency was declared throughout New Jersey on March 14. Acting Consumer Affairs Division Director Sharon Joyce, says a searchable database of all registered home improvement contractors is on the division's web site. Consumers can go to www.nj.gov/oag to file related complaints.
"The widespread damage caused by this storm means lots of homeowners will be seeking repairs. Residents should be cautious and check with the division to make sure that the companies they hire are properly licensed or registered to do the work," said Joyce.
Consumers also can enter a town name and generate a list of all registered home improvement contractors located in that community. Tree removal firms, if not licensed by the Department of Environmental Protection, should be registered as a home improvement contractor.
Electricians, plumbers and landscape architects are licensed separately by the division and are not required to be licensed as home improvement contractors if they are working within the scope of their profession.
|
Copyright 2010 by Millennium Radio New Jersey. All Rights Reserved.
|
|
|
|
|
|
E-Mail
Print
