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Rockland County Warns Residents Of Crooked Contractors Family Scammed Out Of $90 K

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10 months ago

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In a recent scheme, a Rockland County family was scammed out of $90,000 by a contractor who promised to renovate their yard while the family was away on vacation but never did and has since disappeared. So far this year, the Rockland County Office of Consumer Protection indicates families have been scammed out of over $200,000.

Unfortunately, these types of scams are common with an estimated 1 in 10 people falling victim to Home Improvement Contracting Scams. 

“These individuals can often be hard to catch, and the money stolen harder to reclaim, which is why I stress to our families that prevention is key,” said County Executive Ed Day. “A little amount of due diligence will go a long way to protecting yourself from falling victim.”

Office of Consumer Protection Director Kim Von Ronn urges families to always:

  • Steer clear of unsolicited contractors
  • Get a written contract
  • Never pay until job is complete
  • And utilize a licensed contractor

“The benefits of contracting with a licensed vendor/contractor ensures a few things but first and foremost that the contractor is insured,” explained Director Von Ronn. “Without appropriate and adequate insurance coverage, if the contractor or their employee gets injured when working on a home, the homeowner can be responsible for damage or injury.”

Once you decide on a contractor, keep in mind:

  • Every home improvement project over $250 requires a written contract. 
  • A down payment shall not exceed $1,000 or 15% of the contract price, whichever is less. Exceptions to this must be stated within the written contract and agreed upon.

If a conflict arises between the consumer and business, Consumer Protection can assist with the dispute and mediation process.

Complaints regarding terrible workmanship from unlicensed vendors or an unlicensed vendor scamming a consumer out of money for an uncompleted job can also be investigated by our Office of Consumer Protection resulting in bringing the responsible party to Criminal Court. The Office of Consumer Protection also can impound vehicles in these scenarios thanks to Rockland County Local Law Chapter 286-21(H) which was sponsored by County Executive Ed Day during his time serving in the Rockland County Legislature.

In 2023, the Rockland County Office of Consumer Protection investigated 617 complaints and returned $66,000 to homeowners.

Residents with questions or concerns can contact their Office of Consumer Protection at (845) 364-3901 or by email at [email protected].

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Government

Level Up Your Skills — Free Career Workshops from Rockland Works

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1 day ago

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May 15, 2025

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Free Workshops to Boost Your Career and Skills

This May, Rockland Works is offering a series of free, expert-led workshops designed to help you build essential skills, explore new career paths, and take control of your future. Whether you’re re-entering the workforce, launching a business, or looking to improve your computer skills, there’s something for everyone.

Featured Workshops

Self-Advocacy
In partnership with BRDGES
Friday, May 16 | 1:00 PM
Learn practical strategies for navigating re-entry after incarceration, disclosing a disability, and negotiating employment contracts.

Entrepreneurial Skills
In partnership with BRDGES
Monday, May 19 | 12:00 PM
Thinking about starting your own business? Get expert advice on how to launch, market, and grow your business from experienced consultants.

Computer Skills: Basic Excel
Wednesday, May 21 | 4:00 PM
Master the fundamentals of Excel, including navigating spreadsheets, formatting data, and using essential formulas like SUM and AVERAGE.

Resume Writing & One-on-One Review Sessions
Receive step-by-step guidance to build a resume that gets noticed, along with personalized feedback from our career experts.

All workshops are free and open to the public. Registration is required.

📞 For more information, call us at (845) 770-2900
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Visit: www.rocklandworks.org

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Government

Rockland County Honors Outstanding Nurses with Distinguished Service Awards

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1 week ago

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May 7, 2025

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May is traditionally the month when nurses are recognized worldwide, in part because May 12 is the birthday of Florence Nightingale. She professionalized nursing roles for women and is known as the founder of modern nursing.

In celebration of National Nurses Month, Rockland County Legislature Vice Chair Dr. Aney Paul, a longtime nurse herself, presented the Distinguished Service Award— the Legislature’s highest honor— to three exceptional nurses: Glenn Albin, Dr. Gaelle Duvivier, and Mary Laiju Shine Kelanthara. These honorees were recognized for their professional excellence and dedicated community service.

  • Glenn Albin transitioned from accounting to healthcare, serving as a paramedic and emergency room nurse for over four decades. He mentors new nurses and teaches advanced life support, while actively participating in the Knights of Columbus and South Orangetown Ambulance Corps.

  • Dr. Gaelle Duvivier, a Certified Nurse Midwife and educator, works with New York Presbyterian and SUNY Rockland. She advocates for women’s health, leads health fairs, and researches ways to improve breastfeeding and reduce health disparities.

  • Mary Laiju Shine Kelanthara, with 28 years of nursing experience, serves as an Infection Control Nurse at HVDDSO. She’s also a passionate volunteer, fundraiser, church educator, and South Indian TV actress.

Dr. Paul praised the honorees for making “a positive difference every day” in the lives of Rockland County residents.

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