5 Union County Contractors May Have Ripped You Off: NJ Says

UNION COUNTY, NJ — Recognize any of these people from Union County? They may have paved your driveway or built your deck — and they may have done it poorly.

The state has put together a list of the New Jersey home improvement contractors who were told to pay the most in consumer restitution and civil penalties in 2015 (see list below, starting with the highest fines).

The 136 contractors were subject to fines and restitution totaling $1,905,288, according to the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs.

In Union County those listed include:

• Guerreiro's Construction d/b/a Guerreiro's Trucking Inc. of Elizabeth
• Care Home Improvement Incorporated d/b/a Karl Neita of Union
• Paul A. Scappetto Remodeling Plumbing and Heating LLC of New Providence
• Mark of Excellence Remodeling Inc. of Kenliworth
• DM Fernandes Contracts Limited Liability Company of Elizabeth

These contractors received notices that are part of the state Division of Consumer Affairs' "vigilant efforts" to police the home improvement marketplace to protect consumers from disreputable contractors, according to a DCA release.

Notices of violation were issued to contractors in 19 of New Jersey’s 21 counties, with the largest number (17) being issued in Camden County. Other counties where 10 or more notices of violation were issued: Atlantic (10), Burlington (11), Essex (15), Morris (16) and Union (11).

In addition, 11 notices of violation were issued to out-of-state contractors. No notices of violation were issued in Mercer and Warren counties.

“The cases we brought in 2016 should send a clear message that the division will not tolerate contractors who fail to live up to their obligations to consumers,” said Steve Lee, director of the Division of Consumer Affairs. “We urge consumers who feel they have been the victims of fraud or other violations of law by contractors to report these actions to the division immediately.”

The penalties issued to individual companies ranged from a low of $1,000 to a high of $7,000. Restitution amounts sought ranged from $250 to $134,092.89. Of the notices issued, 51 were for unregistered practice.

Of those issued notices, 48 entered into consent orders to resolve the notices. Another 28 defaulted, and four paid the penalties outlined in the notice. Another 55 cases remain open, according to the release.

A contractor who is issued a notice of violation can contest the assertion or can correct the violation by discontinuing any practices in violation of the law. He or she may pay a civil penalty and/or restitution where required. If not registered, the contractor also will apply for registration. Contractors also may contest the division’s assessment of consumer restitution, according to the release.

Contact the Division of Consumer Affairs to learn if the contractor is duly registered to perform home improvement work in New Jersey, and learn whether the contractor has been the subject of consumer complaints and/or legal action by the Division, or to learn more about contractors who have been cited by the Division. You can call the division at 800-242-5846 or use the division's website, www.NJConsumerAffairs.gov.

Here is the list:

Patch file photo

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.

Get Patch breaking news alerts sent right to your phone with our new app. Download here.