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For Immediate Release
June 5, 2007
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Senate Adopts Legislation to Crack Down
on Home Repair Con Artists
The Senate adopted legislation today
that will help to protect state residents from home
improvement scam artists. The legislation, introduced by
Sen. Tommy Tomlinson (R-Bucks) who chairs the Senate
Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Committee,
would give local law enforcement officials
the tools they need to crack down on disreputable
contractors. It also sets down strict criminal penalties
and even tougher sanctions if the victim is a senior
citizen.
"During hearings on this issue, I have
heard many complaints from homeowners, particularly senior
citizens, who have lost money through home repair scams,"
Tomlinson said. "In many cases, scam operators promise to
make repairs and leave town after they receive a deposit.
Or they do a shoddy job, and then can't be located to fix
the problem repair or refuse to do so."
Tomlinson's legislation would require
home improvement contractors to register with the Attorney
General's Bureau of Consumer Protection. The Bureau would
also maintain a toll-free number under which consumers could
check on the registration status of a contractor.
The bill would also require home
improvement contracts for all work that exceeds $500. And it
would set down specific criteria for home improvement
contracts to ensure that all parties understand the work to
be completed, the time frame for completion and the total
costs involved.
"This legislation will not only crack
down on scam artists, but it will help to protect the good
name of reputable business owners," said Tomlinson. ""There
are many good home repair companies and contractors – but in
a small portion of cases, scam operators are not living up
to their obligations. This bill will target disreputable
contractors and ensure that homeowners are not victimized."
Senate Bill 100 gives District
Attorneys and the Attorney General strong enforcement
authority for investigating and prosecuting home improvement
scams. Those who violate the law could face a possible
misdemeanor or felony conviction, and the revocation or
suspension of their registration. The bill also includes
tougher penalties if the victim is 60 or older, since many
scam artists target older homeowners.
"These professional con artists target
all home owners, but particularly senior citizens by playing
on their fears and emotions," Tomlinson said. "Through this
legislation, we hope to send a strong message that
Pennsylvania will prosecute those who attempt to deceive
consumers."
CONTACT:
Fran Cleaver
717-787-5072
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