With the spring home repair and renovation season just around the corner, the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders reminds Union County residents and businesses to learn more about avoiding scams and understanding consumer rights during the 16th Annual National Consumer Protection Week, March 6-12.
Consumer Protection Week is a coordinated campaign that encourages consumers nationwide to learn how to protect themselves from fraud and scams.
This year the Union County Office of Consumer Affairs is focusing on the process of hiring a home improvement contractor and the importance of research before doing so.
“National Consumer Protection Week is the perfect time to learn ways to protect yourself and your family assets,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce Bergen. “We invite residents to call our Office of Consumer Affairs for information on guidelines to follow before signing a contract, so you can avoid fraud and take your business to a reliable, reputable contractor.”
The Union County Office of Consumer Affairs invites Union County municipalities to help inform residents of signs of possible scams and tips for choosing and working with contractors. A new Consumer Advice on Hiring a Home Improvement Contractor poster is now available to Union County municipalities. The new poster details helpful information and tips including; contractors are required to be registered by the state; registration numbers must be displayed prominently on all advertising, their vehicles and contracts; start and completion dates must be on their contracts; and they must have commercial general liability insurance. Municipalities interested in receiving copies of the poster to post in public buildings should contact the Consumer Affairs Office at 908-654-9840.
Complaints against home improvement contractors continue to be the number one issue investigated by the Union County Office. Residents may contact the Consumer Affairs Office at 908-654-9840 to check for any possible complaints filed against a contractor, and if they are registered with the state as required by the law. Residents may also call for information on all aspects of the NJ Consumer Fraud Act and its regulations. More information about the Union County Office of Consumer Affairs online at ucnj.org/public-safety/office-of-consumer-affairs.