New Law Protects Disaster Victims from Predatory Contractors on Long Island

New Legislation to Combat Predatory Contractors

• 🎯 A new law aims to protect homeowners in Suffolk County from predatory contractors who exploit victims of fires and floods.
• 💡 The legislation targets "vultures" who show up at disaster scenes immediately, sometimes even before investigations are complete, to rush homeowners into signing contracts.

How the Law Works

• 🏠 Licensed boardup companies are now required to stay behind fire lines and clearly disclose they are not affiliated with the fire department or government.
• ⚠️ Homeowners are informed that they are under no obligation to sign with any company that shows up uninvited.
• 🚗 Companies previously used vehicles resembling police or fire vehicles to gain access to disaster scenes; they must now properly identify themselves.

Penalties and Prevention

• ⚖️ Violators of the new law face penalties of up to $5,000 and a year in jail.
• 📞 The law is modeled after similar legislation in Nassau County and emphasizes that the first call after a disaster should be to your insurance company.
• ✅ A key piece of advice is: if you didn't call them and they just show up, do not do business with them.