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EXECUTIVE OFFICE JANET NAPOLITANO GOVERNOR |
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FOR MORE
INFORMATION CONTACT: JEANINE
L'ECUYER |
FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
GOVERNOR, REGISTRAR
ANNOUNCE PROGRAM TO PREVENT CONTRACTOR FRAUD
The
Neighborhood Ambassador Program is designed to educate homeowners about the
pitfalls of using unlicensed contractors.
Last year, Arizonans were conned out of more than $25 million of their
hard-earned money for these home repair scams.
The elderly are at a much higher risk of being victimized and targeted
by unscrupulous individuals for unlicensed home construction, remodeling and
repair scams.
"Often,
these contractors show up and offer a great deal-for example, a roofing job or
an asphalt driveway-using leftover materials at a reduced price," said
Governor Janet Napolitano. "If the
work gets done at all, it's done badly.
Homeowners have often paid up front, and the contractor is nowhere to be
found. The Registrar is taking an
important step to make sure neighbors-especially our vulnerable seniors-know
about these scams and how to avoid them."
The
Neighborhood Ambassador Program offers training academies, in which
representatives of the ROC present prevention workshops to neighborhood
associations and Block Watch groups.
Individuals may also sign up to receive e-mail alerts that will warn of
unlicensed contracts at work close to their homes. The Registrar has its list
of "Most Wanted" unlicensed contractors posted on its website at
http://www.rc.state.az.us/wanted/index.htm.
"At
this time of year, people who profit from construction-related fraud and theft
flock here to take advantage of residents who are eager to make home
improvements before the worst of the summer heat hits," said ROC Director
Israel G. Torres. "We're taking a
pro-active approach to protecting
All
neighborhood leaders, groups and local municipalities are invited to become
involved in the program. It's easy, and
participants have the flexibility to be as active they desire.
The
next academy is scheduled for
-30-