Consumer Affairs sting catches bad contractors

The Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) issued violations and seized vehicles from a dozen unlicensed home improvement contractors in a recent eight-week sting operation.
“I’m pleased our multi-borough sting house operation was successful in nailing these dozen illegal contractors,” said Commissioner Jonathan Mintz. “Home repairs and renovations are often the costliest of annual expenses and in today’s tough economy more than ever, New Yorkers, and those investments are best protected when using the thousands of City-licensed contractors listed on our website.”
In order to catch the illegally operating contractors, DCA investigators scheduled 14 appointments for estimates with 13 of the contractors showing up to bid on the job. After the contractors agreed to conduct a range of services despite being unlicensed, DCA seized their vehicles and issued violations.
According to the DCA, of the 14 originally targeted contractors, 12 had their vehicles seized and agreed to pay more than $65,000 in fines and restitution. The 13th contractor (SGL Services), fled the scene after undercover inspector identified himself but the DCA still filed violations for unlicensed activity.
The 14th contractor (JPD Waterproofing), called DCA before the appointment to say that he knew DCA was after him and wasn’t coming.
DCA spokesperson Abby Lootens said the DCA will “continue to pursue both of those that did not have their vehicles seized.”
Six of the targeted contractors were identified based on fines or restitution they owed, previously revoked licenses and consumer complaints. The other six targets were found through advertisements in local newspapers or online despite being unlicensed.
Licensed contractors’ work is ultimately backed up by DCA’s Home Improvement Contractor Trust Fund, where licensees pay a fee. Unlicensed home improvement contractors on the other hand, put homeowners at risk for unsafe workmanship, unfinished projects and excessive expenses.
Consumers can instantly check to see if a contractor is licensed online at nyc.gov/consumers or by calling 3-1-1.

Click here for tips for hiring a home contractor

Of the list of 14 identified illegal contractors, half were based in Queens and one in Long Island. The list is courtesy of the DCA.

Unlicensed Home Improvement Contractors Targeted in the Department of Consumer Affairs’ Sting House Operation:

• Benson Roofing (Brooklyn)
718-382-4449

• Contractors Network/Champion 1 Construction Co. (Queens)
516-328-0299; 800-464-7272

• Emilio General Contracting (Queens)
718-593-7791

• John Low Home Improvement (Long Island)
516-852-9830

• John the Handyman (Florida)
718-924-4001; 646-721-0975

• JPD Waterproofing (Staten Island)
718-948-2244

• NM Construction (Queens)
917-951-8946

• Perfect Choice Roofing (Queens)
718-675-9444; 718-415-4341

• SA Construction (Brooklyn)
718-633-8045

• Sanchez Landscape (Staten Island)
646-419-3718

• SGL Services Corp dba JEM Construction (Manhattan)
212-228-4009