August 2007

NASSAU COUNTY AND NEW YORK OFFICIALS ANNOUNCE RESULTS OF COORDINATED ENFORCEMENT TARGETING UNLICENSED HOME IMPROVEMENT CONTRACTORS

Regional Counties Seize More Than 60 Vehicles Owned by Unlicensed Home Improvement Contractors, Issue Fines and Criminal Summonses in July Sting; Officials Cite High Volume of Complaints and Offer Tips for Homeowners

Nassau County Consumer Affairs Commissioner Roger Bogsted addresses the media along with Nassau County District Attorney Kathleen Rice and New York City Consumer Affairs Commissioner Jonathan Mintz

Nassau County officials from the District Attorney’s Office and Office of Consumer Affairs conducted undercover and field inspections resulting in the seizure of 15 vehicles owned by unlicensed home improvement contractors, as well as more than 100 additional violations. Efforts also included use of a sting house where 29 individuals were arrested for fraud and operating without a license. Over the past year, Nassau has assisted consumers with refunds of more than $525,000, with an estimated $125,000 over the past month alone.

To file a complaint, check if a home improvement contractor is licensed, request free consumer and business publications, or license application requirements, please contact the following consumer protection agencies: New York City (Dial 311 or log on to www.nyc.gov/consumers), Nassau County (www.nassaucountyny.gov/agencies/OCA/index.html), Suffolk County (www.co.suffolk.ny.us/da), Westchester County (www.westchester.gov/consumer), and the New York State Consumer Protection Board (www.consumer.state.ny.us).