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TextBeware of Price-Gouging and Check on Repair Contractors
Feb. 11, 2010
OPA 040/10
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In the wake of the snow emergency, residents are reminded to be cautious when solicited by people offering to provide services such as repairs to roof and decks; snow clearing; car towing.
Price Gouging
The Post-Disaster Anti-Price Gouging Act makes it illegal to charge unconscionable prices for 30 days after a declared state of emergency. This state law prohibits price gouging for “necessary goods and services” that are in demand after a disaster. These goods and services include but are not limited to water, food, ice, gasoline, generators, batteries and building materials. The law only applies during a time of disaster when either the governor or the president declares a state of emergency in Virginia. Gov. Bob McDonnell declared a State of Emergency on Feb. 3.
- Towing — File complaints about price gouging for a Fairfax police-directed tow with the Police Department at 703-280-0575, TTY 711.
- General — If you have concerns about this or other price gouging, to file a complaint, complete a form (PDF) from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services or call 1-800-552-9963, TTY 711, to receive the form by mail or fax. Send completed complaint forms by e-mail to consumer@fairfaxcounty.gov or mail to the Fairfax County Department of Cable Communications and Consumer Protection, 12000 Government Center Parkway, Suite 443, Fairfax, VA 22035, attention “Price Gouging.” For more information about filing a price-gouging complaint, please contact the Department of Cable Communications and Consumer Protection at 703-222-8435, TTY 711.
Contractor Precautions
The aftermath of severe storm damage often results in an increase in consumer complaints resulting from contractor fraud or shoddy repairs by unlicensed contractors. The Fairfax County Department of Cable Communications and Consumer Protection offers tips for working with contractors:
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Always ask to see a copy of a contractor’s license from the Virginia
Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR), or
check for a valid contractor license at www.state.va.us/dpor, or
804-367-8511. Any contractor seeking work through home solicitation
must carry a solicitor license issued by the Fairfax County Consumer Protection Division.
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Check a contractor’s licensing credentials. Write down the license
number, expiration date, name of the licensee, address and phone
numbers. (Make sure the contractor has a current physical address, not
a P.O. Box).
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Find out how long the contractor has held a license and check for any
disciplinary action taken by DPOR.
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Make sure the contractor has a personal liability insurance policy and
verify it with the contractor’s insurance agent.
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Call the Fairfax County Department of Public Works and Environmental
Services Permits Branch at 703-324-1555, TTY 711, to determine whether a permit is
necessary for the intended work. Ask for information on each
contractor’s licensing and disciplinary status.
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Obtain bids from three contractors, ask for three references from each,
and find out if the contractor provided a monetary discount or payment
in exchange for using a consumer as a reference.
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Insist on a detailed written contract with a start and completion
date.
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Do not sign anything that you do not understand.
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Do not pay cash.
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Do not rely on verbal agreements.
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Do not pay more than 10 percent down and do not allow payments to get
ahead of the work.
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Do not succumb to high pressure or scare tactics, over-friendly sales
pitches, materials left over, or escalating prices.
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Do search the Consumer Protection Division’s Complaint History
files to locate any complaints previously filed against a
contractor.
- Be aware of excessive pricing for snow shoveling when hiring someone to clear driveways and sidewalks.
Emergency information and status updates will be available on:
- Fairfax County’s Web site
- Emergency information phone line (703-817-7771)
- Community Emergency Alert Network (CEAN)
- Fairfax County Government Channel 16.
- In addition, 1670 AM, emergency radio for Fairfax County, is broadcasting continuous weather information directly from the National Weather Service.
Additional winter weather preparedness information can be found online
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Contact: Merni Fitzgerald, Director, Office of Public Affairs
703-324-3189, TTY 711, Media Pager: 703-324-NEWS (6397)
publicaffairs@fairfaxcounty.gov
To request this information in an alternate format, call 703-324-3187, TTY 711
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