Peter C. Harvey, Attorney General

Division of Consumer Affairs
Reni Erdos, Director

For Immediate Release:
July 23, 2004

For Further Information Contact:
Jeff Lamm, Genene Morris
973-504-6327

NEWARK — Victims of last week’s flooding in the Burlington County area should beware of con artists who may attempt to carry out home and auto repair scams, Attorney General Peter C. Harvey and Consumer Affairs Director Reni Erdos said.

Residents who wish to make a donation to aid flood victims also should be on the alert if contacted by someone purporting to be raising funds on behalf of the victims.

"Many people respond with compassion and generosity when disaster strikes their neighbors. Unfortunately, con artists see the victims’ woes as another opportunity to profit. We urge residents to be cautious of these scams and report them to us for action," Attorney General Harvey said.

Some of the scams that occur following disasters include:

• Alleged contractors who claim to be certified by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA does not grant such certification).
  
  
• Telephone offers of emergency grants, used as a pretext by the caller to obtain financial and banking information.
  
  
• Fictitious fund-raising for disaster victims.

"We stand ready as a resource to assist the flood victims as they look toward repair and rebuilding," Consumer Affairs Director Reni Erdos said. "We license electricians and plumbers, and consumers can contact us to check on contractors and their records of past consumer complaints and disciplinary action by our Division."

Residents within New Jersey can call the Division toll-free at 1-800-242-5846. All charitable organizations operating in New Jersey are required to register with Consumer Affair’s Charities Registration Unit. To verify if an organization claiming to be raising funds for flood victims is registered, call 973-504-6215.