The Arizona Registrar of Contractors wants citizens to be aware of unlicensed & unscrupulous persons who may want to "fix" their roof leaks during the summer Monsoons.
"This upcoming time of year draws unlicensed & unscrupulous persons, who purport themselves to be contractors to bolster their personal coffers with money taken from the most vulnerable of Arizona's citizens. These individuals look specifically for elderly, disabled & single parent family homes to target for their illicit activity. The reason these citizens are the most vulnerable is because of their limited ability to fight back against the "in your face tactics" or litigation threats commonly used by these unscrupulous people", says Brian Livingston the Director of Communications for the ROC.
Working with other similar investigatory agencies throughout the country, the Registrar of Contractor's Investigations Department has taken notice & is monitoring the increased movement of these unwelcome individuals into Arizona through cooperative intelligence gathering with other state investigatory agencies. These unlicensed contractors have come from a variety of locations in the past ranging from the east coast to Alaska. The most common construction services offered by these groups are roofing, small remodeling projects, air conditioning services, mold remediation & asphalt repair or paving services.
To help prevent consumers from becoming a victim when hiring a contractor, the ROC provides information resources at, azroc.gov. The ROC encourages anyone thinking of hiring a contractor to check the ROC website or call the ROC to verify that the person or company that they are hiring is licensed to do contract work in Arizona & is in current license standing with the ROC. Consumers are strongly encouraged to check references provided by the contractor & to get multiple bids before finalizing any contract. It is also important not to be pressured into any contract & to remember "if a bid sounds too good to be true, it probably is". Any consumer who has been solicited by an individual purporting themselves to be a licensed contractor without providing their ROC license number on their bid or contract should be warned that they are potential dealing with one of these out-of state transient groups. Consumers who believe they have come into contact with any suspected "transient criminal contractor" are urged to call the ROC immediately or e-mail the ROC with as much detail as possible about their contact. The ROC website has also added a Consumers Corner, which provides additional information on how you can protect yourself before, during & after a construction project begins.
Another method used by the ROC to combat this continuing & growing problem is the ROC's Outreach Program. This program was developed by the agency to instruct homeowners on the common key phrases & tactics used by this "transient criminal contractor" element when offering construction services to the unsuspecting homeowner. Any statewide organization, association or group of 20 or more may request an ROC Outreach Program presentation by calling the ROC at (602) 542-1525 x 7555 or toll free at 1-888-271-9286. (This program is available on a limited basis from September to June in each calendar year.)