Government

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

Published

4 months ago

July 11, 2024

Rockland Report Admin

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].

Government

Daylight Saving Time Ends on Sunday November 3rd

Published

1 day ago

October 29, 2024

Rockland Report Admin

The Rockland County Department of Health wants to remind residents that daylight saving time will end for the year at 2:00 a.m. on Sunday, November 3. This is when we “fall back” and gain an extra hour of sleep. Don’t forget to set your clocks back one hour before you go to sleep on Saturday night.

Besides changing your clocks, this is also a good time to check your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms to make sure that they are in good working order, not expired and if battery operated replace the batteries with new.

The Health Department’s Healthy Neighborhoods Program can assist low-income residents, seniors, and at-risk families with replacing smoke and carbon monoxide alarms or changing the batteries, at no charge, as supplies last. For more information, call (845) 364-3290 or visit the Healthy Neighborhoods Program.

Remember, too, that after the time change, it can be darker earlier in the evening, so be extra careful. This can make it harder for both drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists to see and increase the risk of a crash. Also, adjusting to the new schedule can take a few days, and people may be more tired than usual when it’s dark. Visit the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee for more information about drowsy driving.

Government

The Warming Center is Ready for Guests

Published

3 days ago

October 27, 2024

Rockland Report Admin

Rockland County Executive Ed Day and Commissioner of Social Services Joan Silvestri announce the opening of the Rockland County Warming Center, located at the Dr. Robert L. Yeager Health Center in Pomona, for the upcoming winter season. The center, which will be operated by the Department of Social Services (DSS), can provide shelter for up to 75 homeless single adults.

“This Warming Center remains a critical resource in protecting our most vulnerable residents from the harsh conditions of winter,” said County Executive Ed Day. “I am incredibly proud of the collective efforts that make this possible, and I commend our dedicated team for their unwavering commitment to the well-being of those in need.”

Guests at the Warming Center will have access to not only a warm, safe place to rest but also essential services such as showers and laundry facilities. In addition, staff will be on-site to assist individuals with benefits and referrals to other support programs.

Starting in November 2024, the Warming Center will operate during nighttime hours when the wind chill drops below 35°F. Beginning December 1, 2024, the center will be open every night, with daytime operations triggered only if the wind chill again falls below 35°F. This schedule will continue through March, then during the month of April, the center will revert to night-only operations under the same temperature criteria.

Transportation to the Warming Center will be provided from the following locations:

Nyack: 7:00 p.m. at Broadway and Burd Street, in front of the First Reformed Church of Nyack.
Haverstraw: 7:30 p.m. from the Commuter Parking Lot across from Village Hall.
Spring Valley: 5:30 p.m., 6:10 p.m., and 8:15 p.m. at the Spring Valley Bus and Train Station.
Pomona: 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, at the Building L Bus Shelter on the Health Center campus.

For more information, please contact the Rockland County Department of Social Services at (845) 364-2332 or 845-608-6670.

Additionally, the Department of Social Services will continue to operate the long-standing Emergency Family Shelter, providing services for children and families in need.