IN THE WAKE OF RECENT HISTORIC FLOODING BEWARE
OF REPAIR SCAMS AND FRAUD

As Connecticut families recover from the damage caused by the recent historic flooding in New Haven, Fairfield, and Litchfield Counties, residents should exercise caution when hiring contractors for repairs. Unfortunately, severe weather events often attract scammers who prey on vulnerable homeowners in need of urgent repairs. The costs associated with flood damage can be significant, and it’s essential to ensure you’re working with legitimate contractors to avoid further financial loss. Avoid becoming a victim by taking important precautions before having home repairs done.

Before you hire a contractor, take the following steps to protect yourself:

1. Verify Credentials: Ask for a current copy of the contractor's worker’s compensation and liability insurance policies and ensure they are active.
2. Watch Out for Red Flags – Avoid doing business with any contractor who:
   • Demands payment in cash, by wire transfer, or in any form of untraceable payment.
   • Refuses to provide a written contract for the work to be done. Written contracts need to include a description of the work to be completed by the contractor and an estimated total price.
   • Offers an exceptionally low price for immediate commitment or a “special” percentage off the repair without being clear about what the bottom-line price will be.
   • Solicits business directly at your door or otherwise approaches you without you initiating contact.
   • Cannot provide references or proof of credentials.
3. Take Precautions:
   • Ensure that a contractor is appropriately licensed and registered by visiting the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection at  elicense.ct.gov. If the work involves home improvement, the contractor must have a home improvement contractor registration. For tree trimming or related work, they must have an Arborist License through the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP).
   • Do your research. Get estimates from multiple licensed and reputable contractors and compare quotes before deciding. When requesting an estimate, ask if there is a charge for it.
   • Insist on references from a contractor and verify them to see if the work was done properly, on schedule, and within the contract price.
   • Make sure you have a detailed written contract for larger projects, review it thoroughly, and ask questions before signing. The contract should include: the contractor’s name, address and telephone number, a description of work done, materials used, labor cost, timetable, payment schedule, completion date, names of subcontractors, warranty agreements, clean up, and financing arrangements.
   • Use traceable payment methods like checks or credit cards.
   • Do not to sign a contract until you’ve considered all your options and are sure about your decision.

Three-Day Right to Cancel a Contract:

You may have seventy-two hours, or three days, to cancel the contract for certain types of agreements in the state of Connecticut. Click here to view the "Three-Day Right To Cancel a Contract" in Connecticut.

Consumers with complaints about home improvement may file a complaint with DCP by emailing detailed information including receipts, contracts, and any descriptions or documentation of conversations to dcp.complaints@ct.gov.