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Public warned vs home repair fraud
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Posted on Sep 02 2005
Unscrupulous contractors were warned yesterday that the Attorney General’s Office will take action against those who seek to profit legally at the expense of CNMI consumers who had suffered damage from Typhoon Nabi.
Attorney General Pamela Brown also cautioned consumers to be wary and to take precautions when hiring someone to make home repairs.
Brown said that home repair fraud remains a persistent problem in the CNMI and is a particular threat during times of natural disaster.
The AGO issued the following precautions that consumers must take when hiring someone to make home repairs:
• Find out as much as you can about the workers, especially if they make unsolicited contact with you or have only become known to you after a natural disaster.
• Ask for proof that they are bonded or insured.
• Ask if they are licensed. All legitimate businesses must have a license from the Department of Finance to conduct business as a home repair contractor.
• Ask if this particular job requires a permit. Most construction and home repairs of major significance require a permit from the Department of Public Works. Do not let them talk you into applying for the permit in your name. If they do not want to be known to local officials, they may be hiding a bad reputation.
• Get a written estimate. Get names and locations, and consider checking examples of work they have done.
• Do not pay too much up-front. You should pay only a minimal amount, perhaps as much as a fourth, to indicate good faith and ability to pay. If they tell you more money is needed in advance, be wary. They should be able to pay for supplies or have credit to make necessary purchases until you compensate them afterward.
• Make sure you can contact them. Be wary if they can only give you a pager number or a cell phone number. Businesses with established office locations may be safer.
Brown urges consumers and officials to report any problems of alleged fraud to her office of Consumer Counsel by calling the AGO to set up an appointment at 664-2341, or by visiting the AGO’s website at www.cnmiago.gov.mp and filling out and returning a consumer complaint form. (PR)
