[Archived] City of Alexandria Urges Homeowners to Be Alert for Storm-Repair Fraud

City Press Release


	For Immediate Release	For More Information, Contact
	June 30, 2006 PIO# 167-06/jbh	Brian Hannigan, Director of Communications or Raynard Owens, Communications Officer, at 703.838.4300 Raynard Owens, Communications Officer, at 703.838.4300

City of Alexandria Urges Homeowners to Be Alert for Storm-Repair Fraud

The Alexandria Consumer Affairs Office reminds Alexandria residents to exercise caution in hiring contractors or other companies or individuals to assist in storm cleanup efforts.

“Most repair, cleaning and restoration contractors in Alexandria are honest and reputable businesses,” said Jacqueline Levy, Alexandria’s Consumer Affairs Administrator , “but experience has shown that unscrupulous operators frequently surface in the aftermath of natural disasters such as this week’s torrential rainfall.” The Consumer Affairs Office has received reports of crews attempting to charge exorbitant rates for cleanup services.

The Consumer Affairs Office advises Alexandria residents to hire only licensed firms and always get written estimates from two or more contractors before authorizing cleanup or repair work.

Contractors and other businesses must be licensed by the City of Alexandria in order to perform work within the City limits. In addition, contractors must also hold a valid Contractor’s License from the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Alexandria residents should contact the Consumer Affairs Office at 703-838-4350 to report any suspicious contractor activity and to verify that repair companies are properly licensed.

The Virginia Post-Disaster Anti-Price Gouging Act outlaws selling or offering to sell, lease or license goods and services at an “unconscionable” price when a state of emergency has been declared by the Governor or the President of the United States. Governor Tim Kaine declared a state of emergency throughout Virginia on Wednesday.

The Alexandria Office of Consumer Affairs provides information, advice and consumer education for all Alexandria residents, regardless of the location of the transaction. The office also mediates complaints between consumers and businesses for retail transactions that occur within the City. For more information please contact Jacqueline Levy, Consumer Affairs Administrator at 703-838-4350.

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