VICARI WARNS FOREST FIRE VICTIMS TO BEWARE CONTRACTOR SCAMS
INVESTIGATORS FROM THE Ocean County Department of Consumer Affairs arrived in Barnegat and Stafford townships early
today to begin advising residents whose homes were damaged and destroyed by the forest fire.
"The very first thing people are going to want to do when they return home is start repairing or rebuilding their
homes," said Freeholder Joseph H. Vicari. "Our people are here to ensure that residents are not victimized by scams."
Vicari, who is liaison to the Ocean County Department of Consumer Affairs, said staff members dropped off
literature and pamphlets at municipal offices and other prominent locations before noon on Wednesday.
"This is a very trying time for those families closest to the fire," Vicari said. "We are working hard to make
sure they don't suffer more by falling prey to a scam."
Freeholder Director John P. Kelly said criminal charges can also be sought against anyone who tries to take
advantage of the victims of a natural or manmade disaster.
"We often hear tales of heroism and personal sacrifice when disaster strikes. Unfortunately, it's also an
opportunity for those less scrupulous individuals to prey upon the victims," said Kelly, who is the county's Director of
Law and Public Safety.
Consumer Affairs offered the following tips to residents impacted by the fire:
* Shop around and obtain at least three written estimates for any work. Ask contractors if they have liability
insurance, as required by law, and if they will be employing subcontractors on the job.
* Obtain a written contract and makes sure all warranties and guarantees are in writing. Contracts for home
improvement jobs over $500 must be in writing.
* Pay only one-third in advance, one-third halfway through the job and the remainder upon completion.
* Look for red flags. Be wary of a contractor that demands a large payment upfront or insists that they be paid in
cash.
* Make sure that electrical and plumbing contractors are properly licensed.
"All contractors in New Jersey must be registered with the state," said Stephen Scaturro, director of the Ocean County
Department of Consumer Affairs. "We encourage residents to call our office and confirm that the contractor they hire
is a registered professional."
Scaturro said he expected some contractors to begin contacting residents today.
"They are going to be as anxious for business as residents are going to be to get their home's repaired," he said.
"Following these simple guidelines will ensure the homeowner is protected and the job is completed in a timely manner."
For details on a specific contractor or more information on ways to avoid disaster-related scams, contact the Ocean
County Department of Consumer Affairs at 732-929-2105.
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