|
For Immediate Release
March 24, 2009
Back
Sen. Tomlinson Says Home Improvement Contractors Have Until July 1 to Register
Online Under New Law
Home improvement contractors have until July 1 to register with the state
Attorney General’s office as part of a new state law sponsored by Senator Tommy
Tomlinson (R-Bucks) that is aimed at combating home improvement fraud. The
website is
www.attorneygeneral.gov/hic.aspx.
Tomlinson said the Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act of 2008 will
allow homeowners to search a complete list of contractors online or by calling a
toll-free number after the July 1 registration deadline. The law requires that
all contractors who perform at least $5,000 worth of home improvements per year
register with the Attorney General's Office.
"This site will enable consumers to go online to find out more information
about registered contractors who will do reputable work for them," Tomlinson
said. "The goal is to give consumers the information they need to make informed
choices when they are hiring contractors for home improvement projects so they
get what they paid for."
Tomlinson said that studies have shown that older homeowners are more likely
to fall victim to home improvement scams, which have replaced automobile fraud
as the number one complaint filed with Pennsylvania’s Consumer Protection
Agencies. It is the top complaint filed by senior citizens.
"In too many cases, an unethical operator will take a deposit and leave town,
or do sub-par repairs and refuse to fix the job. Oftentimes, homeowners are
left with empty wallets and no recourse," Tomlinson said. "Scam artists often
target senior citizens living on a fixed income, telling them they need work
that is not necessary, or taking payment and never doing the work. This new law
will more strictly police home improvement contractors and give consumers more
information before they hire a home repair operator.
The new law 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 felony conviction, and the revocation or
suspension of their registration.
"There are many good, fair and respected contractors out there, and this law
is intended to weed out con artists who prey on homeowners by giving consumers
more power and information to make financial decisions about home investments."
Contact: Fran Cleaver
(717) 787-5072 |
