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Watch Out for Scams

ALERT!
FERNLEY FLOOD VICTIMS BEWARE Of Unlicensed Contractors Offering Flood-Repair Assistance

The Nevada State Contractors Board is warning Northern Nevada homeowners to beware of scam artists who offer home repairs, following the recent flooding in the City of Fernley.

It is important to verify that a contractor is licensed by the Nevada State Contractors Board before giving any money, or authorization for rain or flood-damage repairs. Beware of unlicensed contractors offering emergency repairs. These unlicensed contractors do not have bonds, liability insurance, and their workers are not covered by worker’s compensation benefits. If an unlicensed contractor or his employees are injured on your property, you may be liable for the injuries.

Many times these unlicensed contractors ask for cash payments up front, or before completing the work. Their written contracts are either non-existent, or generally written with no details of the work to be completed.

Any contractor who performs residential or commercial remodeling or repairs must have a valid Nevada State Contractors Board license and display it on his contract or invoice and must provide his pocket licensed contractor ID card, if requested by the homeowner.

Fernley homeowners may contact the NSCB at: (775) 688-1141, or call the unlicensed contractor Hotline at: (775) 850-7838 to see if a contractor being considered is licensed and in good standing, or visit the Board website at: www.nscb.state.nv.us

Remember to always:

• Hire only licensed contractors.

• Check the contractor’s license number by calling the Nevada State Contractors Board at (775) 688-1141 in Northern Nevada.

• Get three references and review past work.

• Get at least three bids.

• Get a written contract and do not sign anything until you completely understand the terms.

• Pay 10 percent down or $1,000, whichever is less, if a deposit is required.

• Don’t let payments get ahead of the work. Keep a record of all payments.

• Don’t make a final payment until you are satisfied with the job.

• Don’t pay cash.

• Keep a job file of all papers relating to your project.

Contracting without a license in Nevada is a misdemeanor for the first offense, a gross misdemeanor for the second offense and a Class E felony for the third offense.

Homeowners should not use unlicensed contractors because their work is generally poor quality. Homeowners who use unlicensed contractors are not eligible for the Residential Recovery Fund, and by law their contracts are null and void.

For more information, go to the NSCB website at: www.nscb.state.nv.us or called (775) 688-1141 in Northern Nevada.

(Nevada State Contractors Board Alert! Fernley Homeowners Beware... Art Nadler, Public Information Officer, (702) 486-1100 x1139 or (775) 688-1141 x1139). 



Disasters attract dishonest people


Watch out for scams

Disasters attract dishonest people

Contracting without a license is a crime in the state of Nevada. NRS 624.700 -

“It is unlawful for any person or combination of persons to engage in the business or act in the capacity of a contractor within this state or submit a bid on a job situated within this state without having an active license.”

Flood victims and neighbors wanting to contribute to the recovery process are attractive prey for the scam artists who flock to blighted areas in search of a quick profit.

Experts say such activity usually peaks in the days and weeks after a catastrophe, when the shock of destruction has worn off and residents have turned their attentions to rebuilding.

With that in mind, Fernley officials are taking a proactive approach to protect our residents from construction scams.

Both the Nevada State Contractor’s Board (775-688-1150) and the Builder’s Association of Western Nevada (775-882-4353) are advising flood victims to call their offices to check on construction workers and repair people before hiring anyone to make repairs on your home.

One of the most common types of fraud is the construction worker who shows up promising to repair a home for much less than other workers are asking. The scam artist asks for a substantial payment upfront, to pay for supplies. Then he disappears.

To avoid being taken follow these helpful hints:

1.       Never give money upfront. If you must, make the check out to the supply company.

2.       Get a written, signed contract.

3.       Check references.

4.       Jot down the worker's license plate number: If he does turn out to be a fraud, authorities will have somewhere to start looking for him.

5.       Look up the worker in the phone book. ''If they're local and they're not listed in the phone book, that should tell you something,''

6.       And, more importantly verify that the person is a licensed contractor in the State of Nevada.

Experts also caution people to think twice before paying someone hundreds of dollars to repair a damaged appliance - especially when such repairs typically carry only brief or limited warranties and the cost to replace them is approximately the same.

The bottom line is use caution and common sense. Don’t be a victim.

 

Where to call

If you think someone has ripped you off - or is about to - call Lyon County Sheriff’s dispatch at 575-3383 or the Nevada State Contractor’s Board at 775-688-1150

In Northern Nevada:

Nevada State Contractors Board: 775-688-1150

Builders Association of Western Nevada (BAWN): 774-882-4353

City of Fernley Building Division: 774-784-9815