March 10, 2022
Carson City, NV – As
part of National Consumer Protection Week, Nevada Attorney General Aaron D. Ford and the Nevada State
Contractors Board warn Nevadans to be on guard for unlicensed contractors who
may use dishonest methods to pressure homeowners into making unneeded “repairs”
or bid on jobs that require a licensed contractor.
“Nevadans looking for
contractors must be aware that there are those who would take advantage of
consumers or attempt to pressure them into unnecessary projects,” said AG
Ford. “The results of unlicensed or unneeded contracting work can be shoddy
and, in some cases, dangerous. Nevadans should familiarize themselves with the
information offered by the Nevada State Contracting Board before making a
decision on contractor work.”
“Before you sign a contract or agree
to any construction or home improvement work, make sure the contractor provides
you with a contractor’s license number – and check to make sure it’s valid and
active,” said NSCB Executive Officer Margi Grein. “A contractor’s
license and other key information can be quickly verified on the Nevada State
Contractors Board’s mobile application or website.”
Homeowners, especially low-income, the
elderly, and non-English speakers are often targeted by unlicensed and
unscrupulous contractors who pressure them into utilizing their services or buying
unneeded and overpriced products. These alleged contractors will often use
high-pressure phone calls, emails, mailings and door-to-door sales tactics to
pressure homeowners into paying them for promised materials or projects.
Unlicensed and unneeded contracting
work is illegal and can leave victims high and dry. The alleged contractors may demand and take a
deposit and not return to complete the promised services or project, or they
may take a deposit and demand more money after starting the job. If unlicensed
contractors do undertake the project, homeowners could be left with shoddy or
incomplete work that could lead to dangerous, potentially fatal, situations.
Nevadans should know the warning
signs of potential contracting scams, which include contractors coming in with
extremely low bids; requiring a large deposit, in cash, paid directly to the
contractor; not offering a contract or insurance; or using high-pressure sales
tactics. Be sure to check for a license, and be aware of red flag indicators
such as unmarked vehicles loaded down with construction materials and refusal
to provide a contractor’s license number.
Nevadans can protect themselves by
taking the following steps:
Get at least three bids for a
project;
Verify the contractor’s license on www.nscb.nv.gov;
Ask for at least three references;
Get a written contract, and;
Obtain a list of all subcontractors
on the job, and verify their licenses
If you have been scammed, or
believe that you are the victim of unlicensed or illegal construction activity,
you can file a complaint for up to four years after the work was done at www.nscb.nv.gov. You can
also report the information on the NSCB mobile app or the NSCB contractor
hotline at (702) 486-1160 / (775) 850-7838. Owners of single-family residences
may also be eligible to file a claim with the NSCB’s Residential Recovery Fund,
which can award up to $40,000 in financial resource to harmed homeowners.
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