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Undercover Operations Targets 29 Unlicensed Contractors and Moving Companies Across New Jersey
Undercover stings in Ocean and Mercer counties uncover unregistered home improvement businesses and unlicensed movers operating without state-mandated oversight
Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin announced that two recent undercover operations conducted by the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs have led to enforcement actions against 18 unregistered home improvement contractors and 11 unlicensed moving companies conducting business across the state without proper credentials.
“Businesses should never take advantage of hardworking New Jerseyans. Unfortunately, businesses operating without a proper license or registration pose a risk to consumers through potential poor service quality, property damage, and a lack of legal recourse should something go wrong,” said Attorney General Platkin.
Operation Safe House, a three-day sting conducted beginning October 20, 2025, in Manchester Township (Ocean County), resulted in Notices of Violation (NOVs) and $2,500 civil penalties issued to 18 home improvement contractor businesses. Investigators posed as individuals looking to renovate a single-family house and solicited estimates from contractors advertising services despite lacking an active state registration. Those who responded and submitted bids were found to be either unregistered or operating with expired registrations.
The cited businesses included garage door, flooring, fencing, masonry, siding, roofing, and general construction contractors, with all 18 facing identical penalties for registration violations, totaling $45,000 in fines. All companies were based in New Jersey, with the majority operating in Ocean County.
Operation Safe Move, conducted October 15–16, 2025, in Hamilton Township (Mercer County), targeted unlicensed moving companies. Investigators hired moving services found online, luring them to a fake moving job. Upon arrival, the movers were met by Division investigators and officers from the New Jersey State Police Mobile Safe Freight Unit, who also conducted vehicle inspections.
Eleven moving companies—many based in New Jersey and some from out-of-state—were cited and fined $5,000 each, resulting in $55,000 in penalties. Notably, the enforcement also uncovered 45 motor vehicle safety violations.
In New Jersey, both home improvement contractors and public movers are legally required to be registered or licensed through the Division of Consumer Affairs. These regulations are designed to protect consumers from fraud and ensure that businesses maintain general liability insurance and adhere to safety standards.
Unlicensed movers, in particular, present serious consumer risks. According to the Division, some rogue operators have been known to hold possessions hostage for payment or vanish with property entirely. Many also lack sufficient insurance coverage, potentially leaving customers liable for losses or damage.
To raise awareness, the Division is launching a public education campaign that includes distributing bumper stickers to licensed moving companies. These decals read: “Don’t Trust Your Possessions to Unlicensed Movers…Check My License at: MyMoversNJ.gov”, encouraging consumers to verify credentials before hiring.
The Division’s Office of Consumer Protection led both investigations, with assistance from the Ocean County Department of Consumer Affairs during Operation Safe House.
Residents seeking guidance on hiring contractors or movers can find consumer resources at www.njconsumeraffairs.gov. Those who believe they have been the victim of an unlicensed or fraudulent business may file a complaint online or call the Division at 1-800-242-5846 (in-state) or 973-504-6200.
For more consumer safety tips:
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Home improvement contractor info: www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/nailit
