For Immediate Release:
March 9, 2016
Consumer Affairs marks
Consumer Protection Week
Seeks to educate residents about
home improvement contractor laws
FREEHOLD, NJ – The Monmouth County Division of Consumer Affairs is joining with federal, state, and local government agencies and national organizations to celebrate National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) by reaching out to all of the municipalities in the County and providing a checklist for home improvement contractor compliance rules and regulations.
“Even though Superstorm Sandy occurred more than three years ago, many Monmouth County families are still rebuilding their homes and are making home improvements every day,” said Freeholder Lillian G. Burry, liaison to the County’s Division of Consumer Affairs. “It is imperative for homeowners to understand the laws that these home improvement contractors must follow so they do not get taken advantage of by unscrupulous contractors.”
Consumer Affairs staff sent flyers to each of Monmouth County’s 53 towns to place in their municipal buildings. The flyer is also available on the County’s website at www.VisitMonmouth.com.
“Consumers have the right to know the laws that govern home improvement contractors,” Consumer Affairs Director Annmarie Howley said. “By educating the public about these laws, we will create smarter consumers and prevent corrupt business practices.”
The Division of Consumer Affairs is a law enforcement agency, created and funded by the Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders. It protects against consumer fraud and dishonest and unscrupulous business practices by enforcing the state Consumer Fraud Act and other regulations. This is one of the many important ways the County is able to assist residents.
Since the County’s Division of Consumer Affairs was established in 1977, the department has handled more than 50,000 complaints and resolved disputes, resulting in savings to consumers of more than $17 million.
In 2015, the Division recovered $1,827,259 for consumers. Mediation includes correspondence, telephone calls and informal conferences with businesses. The Division has the authority to issue subpoenas to businesses that are uncooperative and or fail to appear, a function coordinated with the Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office.
National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) is a coordinated campaign that encourages consumers nationwide to take full advantage of their consumer rights and make better-informed decisions. NCPW 2016 takes place March 6 through March 12. Additional information is available at www.NCPW.gov.
Consumer Affairs will help consumers resolve all types of consumer-related issues. Information about rescission, fraud and other consumer affairs programs can be found on the County website at www.visitmonmouth.com, by calling 732-431-7900 or email consumeraffairs@co.monmouth.nj.us. The office is open weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
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