HARRISBURG, PA — Pennsylvania Attorney General Michelle Henry has issued a consumer alert, warning residents to stay vigilant against home repair and improvement scams as hurricanes begin to affect the state. The advisory emphasizes the necessity for homeowners to perform due diligence and understand their rights before entering into contracts or services.
“Disastrous weather may bring out scammers to try to take advantage of consumer panic to make a profit,” Attorney General Henry stated. “I want Pennsylvania homeowners to know that my office is here for you. Call or email us with any questions about contractors, including whether or not they are registered with our office, and please report suspicious activity and offers to us.”
The Office of Attorney General offers several resources for consumers to verify contractor legitimacy. Homeowners can file complaints online, call the office at 1-800-441-2555, or email scams@attorneygeneral.gov. Additionally, a searchable database of registered contractors is available on the office’s website.
Key points for homeowners to remember include:
- After significant storms, scams related to home improvement contracting and government loans or grants may increase.
- Legitimate organizations will not ask for large sums of money upfront and will provide written estimates and contracts.
- Pennsylvania law requires contractors who performed more than $5,000 in home improvements in the prior year to register with the Office of Attorney General.
Homeowners are encouraged to take proactive steps such as confirming coverage with their insurance companies before agreeing to contracts and arranging for a Certificate of Completion from their bank or credit union. This certificate ensures payment to contractors occurs only after approval from the bank for each job stage.
By staying cautious of unsolicited sales pitches and large upfront payments, Pennsylvanians can better protect themselves from potential scams during this hurricane season.
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