HARRISBURG – Attorney General Dave Sunday is urging consumers to use caution when purchasing a new car or selecting contractors for potential home improvement work, following flooding and other damages caused by this week’s storms.
“Scammers have no compassion for people dealing with hardship as a result of natural disasters — in fact, they see this time as an opportunity,” Attorney General Sunday said. “My office provides great resources and guides on your legal rights when it comes to purchasing a new vehicle or searching for a home improvement contractor. Please be vigilant and take advantage of these resources. Anyone who feels they are targeted for a scam or has been harmed as consumers, should file a complaint with our Bureau of Consumer Protection.”
Pennsylvanians have these guides available if purchasing an automobile:
The Office of Attorney General also has a searchable database here for all registered contractors doing work in Pennsylvania: hicsearch.attorneygeneral.gov.
Be aware: A contractor registered on this website does not equal an endorsement by the Office of Attorney General. Contractors doing more than $5,000 of home improvement work in the Commonwealth are required by law to be registered.
Attorney General Sunday is encouraging Pennsylvanians to take proactive steps to protect themselves from potential home improvement scams by:
- Contacting their insurance companies, prior to agreeing to a contract, to ensure that improvements are covered under their policy.
- Arranging with their bank or credit union for a Certificate of Completion. The bank will pay the contractor for each stage of the job after the bank has approved the work.
- Be wary of any unsolicited sales pitches, such as from door-to-door salespeople.
- Legitimate contractors will not ask for large sums of money prior to signing a contract or agreement and will provide written estimates and copies of contracts prior to signing the contract and beginning work.
Consumers who have potentially been impacted by predatory practices around flood damage are encouraged to contact the Bureau of Consumer Protection online, over the phone at 1-800-441-2555, or by emailing sc***@*************al.gov.
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