Media Contact:
C. Frank Wiesner
Executive Director
North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors
(800)220-7185
919-571-4183
ext. 210
frank.wiesner@nclbgc.org
North Carolina Licensing Board for General
Contractors: Be Wary of Illegitimate Contractor Scams in Aftermath of Hurricane
Florence
Raleigh, N.C., September 17, 2018
– In the aftermath of Hurricane Florence, thousands of North Carolinians
with damaged homes, businesses and other property will be prime targets for
scam artists.
The North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors
(NCLBGC) is advising citizens to exercise extreme caution to avoid becoming
further victimized by scam artists posing as legitimate contractors. The NCLBGC
reminds citizens that licensed general contractors have passed an
examination and have met the financial requirements for being a licensed
general contractor in the State of North Carolina.
“Unfortunately, natural disasters like Hurricane Florence
lead to an increase in individuals posing as legitimate licensed contractors in
an effort to prey upon vulnerable citizens,” said C. Frank Wiesner, Executive
Director, NCLBGC. “Individuals who hire
unlicensed contractors are putting themselves at great financial risk.”
The NCLBCG reminds North Carolinians of the following:
·
Any
project quoted at $30,000 or more requires
a valid NC general contractors license.
·
Projects
less than $30,000 do not
require a license. However, hiring a NC licensed general contractor may offer
security in knowing that you are dealing with a legitimate contractor who is
authorized to engage in construction or repairs.
·
Ask for proof that the contractor is licensed. Citizens can verify if the
contractor is properly licensed by: 1) searching on the NCLBGC’s website at www.nclbgc.org;
2) calling the NCLBGC at (800)220-7185; or
3) downloading the Board’s free mobile app for Apple and Android devices by
entering “NCLBGC SEARCH” in the search feature.
·
Be
wary of door-to-door repair solicitations or people who demand payments in
cash.
·
Require
a written contract that details the work to be done, materials to be used, a
payment schedule and a timeline for work to be completed. A licensed contractor
is required to list their license number on all contracts.
·
Contact
your insurance company before beginning any work.
·
Contact
the local permitting office or inspections department to determine if permits
are required to assure building code compliance. If permits are required, be
sure the contractor acquires them before construction begins.
·
Before
making final payment, evaluate the completed work and ask your contractor to
confirm that all subcontractors and suppliers have been paid to eliminate
potential liens on your property.
The NCLBGC is the state agency that issues licenses to over
28,000 licensed general contractors in North Carolina. Additional information
is available at www.nclbgc.org or by calling
(800)220-7185 or (919) 571-4183.
Note to Media: Frank Wiesner is
available for on-camera or phone interviews related to this topic.
