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Avoid scams before, during and after Hurricane Joaquin

Nassau County D.A.'s office issues warnings about fake contractors, price gouging

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Acting Nassau County District Attorney Madeline Singas warned Long Islanders to be wary of unscrupulous businesses looking to take advantage of customers before, during and after a potential storm like Hurricane Joaquin — and has issued tips to help residents protect themselves.

“Superstorm Sandy reminded us all of the types of scams that unscrupulous businesses try to perpetrate upon innocent people just trying to weather a storm,” Singas said. “Unlicensed contractors, fake clean-up crews, price gougers and other scammers love when a big storm is coming. My office has convicted those who have defrauded storm victims and stands ready to prosecute anyone else breaking the law, but with a little caution and awareness, residents can avoid becoming victims in the first place.”

Singas offered the following tips for avoiding unlicensed businesses and other scammers:


If you see something that poses an imminent danger, such as a live, downed power line, a gas leak, or a downed tree dangling over a house, sidewalk, or roadway, call 911 immediately.

Report problems with water, gas, electricity, telephone, television, and Internet. These services should be repaired at no cost to you. Ask for identification from any utility or service provider who comes to do the repair.

For downed or damaged trees on the road or sidewalk, check with your town or village about who is responsible for tree removal. It may be handled by local government. If you are responsible for a downed or damaged tree, check your homeowner’s policy.

If damage is insured, don’t pay for repairs that have not been approved by your insurance company, except for emergency repairs to seal openings or prevent more damage, and notify your insurance company immediately. Ask your insurance company if they have any local contractors whom they recommend. Take photos of all damage.

Tree and debris removal contractors and home repair services who provide work in Nassau County are required to be licensed by the Nassau County Department of Consumer Affairs. Always ask to see a contractor’s license before doing business with him or her, and verify a contractor’s license by contacting Consumer Affairs before signing any agreement or contract or paying any money. Make sure the contractor shows a certificate of insurance, or you could be sued if a worker is injured on your property.

Always obtain a written estimate, and sign a written contract that includes a description of the work to be performed, what materials are included, when the work will be finished, the price, and the address and phone number of the contractor. Carefully read all agreements before signing.Make sure all blanks in a bid or contract are filled in. Ask what your neighbors are paying for the same type of work.

Ask contractors for references and call past clients if you can. Get vehicle and driver’s license numbers, and makes of vehicles. When there is a natural disaster, unlicensed contractors and scammers from outside the region often come into the area promising quick repairs at discount prices.

Pay with a credit card or check, not cash. Be wary of contractors who ask for cash payment or cash down payment. Negotiate a reasonable down payment, with full payment to be made only upon satisfactory completion of work. If materials are not included in the contract, offer to pay the supplier yourself or ask for an itemized bill for materials before making final payment. If town or village permits are needed, make sure the cost of such permits is included in your estimate. Make sure that all government approvals of the work are obtained before making final payment.

Also beware of possible insurance scams:


Insurance appraiser impersonation: If someone shows up because property flooded, insist on seeing proof that the “agent” represents your insurance company. Contact your insurance company to verify.



Fake flood insurance

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