Unregistered Ocean Co. Contractors Targeted In Sting Operation

MANCHESTER, NJ — A Division of Consumer Affairs undercover operation in Ocean County targeting unregistered home improvement contractor businesses penalized 18 such businesses, 17 of which were based in Ocean County, Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin announced.

Operation Safe House, a three-day enforcement sting carried out in Manchester Township, resulted in Notices of Violation and $2,500 civil penalties against 18 home improvement contractor businesses (“HICBs”) soliciting work without being registered with the Division or with registrations that have expired, Platkin said.

Regulated businesses in New Jersey, which include HICBs and public movers, are required to be registered or licensed by the Division and are subject to regulations aimed at protecting consumers from unlawful business practices and maintaining fair competition within their industries. These regulations require, among other things, that businesses carry general liability insurance.

Investigators used an unoccupied single-family home in Manchester and posed as individuals seeking to flip the house. They reached out to numerous HICBs that were advertising services despite having an expired registration or never having obtained a registration, asking them to come to the house and provide estimates for a variety of interior and exterior projects, including roofing, siding, fencing, kitchen and bath renovations, and flooring installation.

Over the course of the operation, contractors came to the house to determine the scope of work. Contractors that submitted bids were cited for soliciting home improvement work without having an active HICB registration.

“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,” Platkin said. “By proactively identifying and taking enforcement action against these businesses, we’re reducing the risks to consumers and sending the message that this unlawful conduct will not be tolerated.”

These Ocean County businesses were cited:

• Charles Siebert t/a All-Star Garage Door, Forked River: Failure to Renew Registration
• Black River Contracting LLC, Ocean Gate: Failure to Renew Registration
• BW Carpeting LLC, Brick: Failure to Renew Registration
• Car-Mo-Na Fencing LLC, Forked River: Failure to Renew Registration
• Anthony L. Nagy t/a Eco Star Exterior, Lanoka Harbor: Failure to Renew Registration
• Effata Management LLC, Toms River: Failure to Renew Registration
• Franks Masonry & More LLC, Beachwood: Failure to Renew Registration
• Frogmen Construction LLC, Tuckerton: Failure to Renew Registration
• JB Construction & Consulting LLC, Toms River: Failure to Renew Registration
• Magic Touch Handyman Services LLC, Toms River: Failure to Register
• Michael A. Smith d/b/a Mike’s Roofing and Siding, Barnegat: Failure to Register
• Pats Masonry LLC, Brick: Failure to Renew Registration
• Revival Restoration LLC, Manahawkin: Failure to Register
• Revolution Flooring LLC, Jackson: Failure to Renew Registration
• Dominick J. Fattaruso Sr. t/a Siding Master’s, Brick: Failure to Renew Registration
• Ten Fence LLC, Toms River: Failure to Renew Registration
• Justin J. McCarthy t/a Westbury Siding & Builders, Jackson: Failure to Renew Registration

Each business was fined $2,500.

“Companies doing business in New Jersey must follow the law and adhere to all regulations that protect consumers from deceptive or unfair practices,” said Elizabeth M. Harris, Acting Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs. “As these undercover enforcement actions demonstrate, businesses caught trying to circumvent these laws will be held accountable.”