Spring Brings Newest Scam To Bergen County Residents, Police Warn

BERGEN COUNTY, NJ — If someone offers to inspect your home — inside or outside — for free, be on guard and ask certain questions, said one local police department.

"Roofing and other home improvement scams are extremely common," said Glen Rock's police department this month, in a message to residents. "Now that the spring is coming, we traditionally see an uptick here in Glen Rock."

While an offer to look at your roof, driveway, or chimney for free may sound tempting, there's a catch, the police said.

Most often when someone knocks on your door unsolicited, telling you that your home needs repair, that they are doing work in your neighborhood ... they are scammers," said police. "After the inspection the conclusion is, of course, that your home has substantial damage and needs to be fixed right away."

Police advised, "Don’t let anyone provide you with an estimate, or work at your home, without doing your homework."

They suggested you ask any contractor these questions:

Questions For Contractors:

1. Ask for a permanent place of business, telephone number, tax identification number. Home improvement contractors are required to register with the NJ Division of Consumer Affairs. newjersey.mylicense.com/verification/
2. If a for-profit contractor knocks on your door unsolicited in Glen Rock, they are required to have a Glen Rock Solicitor’s Permit.
3. Insist on seeing copies of the contractor’s liability insurance coverage and workers’ compensation certificates. Make sure the coverage is in effect during the job.
4. Request client references and a list of completed projects. Call these clients to find out whether they were satisfied.
5. Insist on a written proposal and examine it for a complete description of the work an specifications, including approximate start and completion dates and payment procedures.
6. Ask the contractor to explain their project supervision and quality-control procedures. Request the name of the person who will be in charge, how many workers will be required, and the estimated time of completion.
7. Inquire about a warranty. Carefully read and understand it and watch for provisions that would void it.
8. Keep a healthy skepticism about the lowest bid. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

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