ATTORNEY GENERAL ISSUES WARNING

ABOUT REPAIR SCAMS IN AREAS STILL WITHOUT POWER

(HARTFORD) – Attorney General George Jepsen today warned Connecticut residents to be on alert for tree removal, power restoration or other repair scams in areas still without power or where heavy damage resulted from last weekend’s snowstorm.

The advisory was prompted by reports to the Office of the Attorney General that some individuals were going door-to-door and offering to reconnect electric power to consumers’ homes in exchange for payment of cash fees ranging from $200 to $2,500. Some claimed they were working for utility companies.

The utility companies, and their authorized contractors, carry identification and none will ask for payments from consumers, the Attorney General said. Be wary of any contractor who contacts you offering a service, he said.

“Everyone is weary of living without electricity. Everyone wants to get their lives and property back to normal. But don’t fall victim to those who are trying to take unfair advantage of your distress. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is,” Attorney General Jepsen said.

The Attorney General and the Department of Consumer Protection both advise Connecticut residents to hire only contractors licensed by the state to repair damage to their homes and property. Consumers should always verify the registration and insurance of any individual or company before allowing them to work on their property.

The Attorney General further cautioned consumers against purchasing electrical generations from unlicensed retailers, sometimes from the backs of trucks.

“Given the serious risks posed by a damaged or defective generator, consumers should be sure purchase them from a reputable business,” Attorney General Jepsen said. “Consumers should always confirm that any generator they purchase is suitable for their home and is connected and working properly.”

Suspected scams can be reported to the Office of the Attorney General at attorney.general@ct.gov or to the Department of Consumer Protection’s Hotline at 1-800-842 2649 during business hours and at 860-713 6160 after hours and on the weekend.

Media Contact:

Twitter: @AGJepsen