Morris County Officials Warn Residents About Home Improvement Scams

Authorities offer tips to identify fraudulent contractors and protect against financial loss.

MORRISTOWN, NJ - Morris County residents are being urged to remain vigilant against home improvement scams, a growing concern highlighted by recent reports to local law enforcement. Morris County Prosecutor Robert Carroll, Chief of Detectives Robert McNally, and the Morris County Police Chiefs Association caution homeowners about unlicensed contractors soliciting projects, only to pocket deposits without completing—or even starting—the agreed-upon work.

Morris Plains Police Chief and Morris County Police Chiefs Association President Michael Koroski said: “Most of our municipalities enacted ordinances to prohibit businesses from soliciting without a local permit. The municipal permit process includes a background check so that companies and their employees can be verified. Homeowners should be highly suspicious of door-to-door sales, and should be guided by the principle of ‘if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.’ When in doubt, call your local police department, and always report suspicious activity immediately.”

Understanding the Scam

Home improvement scams typically involve individuals posing as contractors who either disappear after taking initial payments or deliver substandard, overpriced work, sometimes causing additional damage to the home. While disputes with contractors can sometimes be civil matters, deliberate fraud by unlicensed individuals is a criminal offense.

The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office has received several complaints of such scams in recent months, many involving fraudsters who approach homeowners unsolicited.

Protecting Yourself Against Fraud

To safeguard against these schemes, officials urge residents to verify the credentials of contractors and follow these prevention tips:

1. Seek Personal Recommendations: Ask trusted friends and family for contractor referrals based on their past experiences.
2. Beware of Unsolicited Offers: Be cautious of contractors who show up uninvited to your home, especially if you have not sought their services.
3. Research Online Reviews: Look for reviews across multiple platforms, but be wary of contractors with little or no online presence, as this could indicate an attempt to avoid accountability.
4. Check Credentials: Confirm the contractor’s registration with the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs, ensuring they display their registration number (NJHIC#) on all business materials, including vehicles and contracts.
5. Verify Permits: Confirm whether the contractor holds required permits with your town hall or local government.
6. Get a Written Contract: For projects exceeding $500, ensure all terms, including liability insurance and payment schedules, are clearly documented.
7. Avoid Large Upfront Payments: Legitimate contractors generally only request a deposit and adhere to New Jersey laws prohibiting final payment before work begins.
8. Take Your Time: Fraudulent contractors often create a sense of urgency to rush homeowners into hasty decisions without due diligence.

Additionally, legitimate contractors will never request payment via money cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency.

Reporting Suspicious Activity

Residents are encouraged to inspect their property if approached by an unsolicited contractor and to report any suspicious behavior to their local police department.

The Contractor’s Registration Act mandates all home improvement contractors to register with the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs and display their credentials publicly. By staying informed and cautious, homeowners can protect themselves from falling victim to these scams.