Astorino Warns of Post-Storm Price Gouging

With an influx of homes and businesses that will be in need of repair over the next several weeks, Westchester County Executive Robert Astorino is urging residents to be aware of people who might try to take advantage of the situation.

 “Common sense is a consumer’s greatest asset,” said Astorino. “Use it. People who have had their homes damaged are upset and very vulnerable. Opportunistic individuals can and will take advantage of this.”

Astorino specifically warned that contractors may try to gouge prices in the days following the storm. John Gaccione, the acting director of the county’s Consumer Department, said that the county will enforce any laws against gouging.

“Taking advantage of consumers in need and raising prices without any justification will be investigated by the department,” he said.

Those in need of home repairs can check if a contractor is licensed by clicking here. Residents are also urged to contact their insurance company as soon as possible. Many insurance companies have existing relationships with home repair contractors.

The county's Consumer Department is offering the following tips:

• Watch out for contractors who are suddenly in the area. Fly by night contractors will take advantage of homeowners in need. Don’t get rushed into signing a contract or agreeing to repairs.  
• Avoid contractors who demand payment in cash or want more than one-third of the total payment before work has begun.
• Do not agree to an oral contract. Get everything you can in writing. Insist on a written contract that sets forth all the important details of the job. That includes a detailed scope of work, a start date, a completion date, cancellation clause, warranty information and a schedule of payments.
• Get at least three estimates. In reviewing the estimates, don’t always go with the lowest bidder. A higher bid may be worth it if the contractor is the most experienced, uses better materials and keeps to a timeline.
• Consumers who need to purchase essential goods and services need to take notice of what they are paying for these items and should contact the department if prices seem to be much higher than normal.

The county Department of Consumer Protection can be reached by e-mail at conpro@westchestergov.com, or  by phone at (914) 995-2155. You may also visit the department’s Web section at www.westchestergov.com/consumer.