Connecticut officials warned September 25 that people offering urgent repairs ahead of a nor'easter could use the storm to pressure homeowners into paying for work without checking who is doing it.
Attorney General William Tong and Consumer Protection Commissioner Bryan Cafferelli described risks involving roof repairs, tree removal and claims that a worker can restore electric service for cash. Their warning preceded the storm; it was not a report establishing that a particular contractor had committed fraud.
Residents can check a home-improvement contractor's registration through the state's eLicense system. The officials also recommended checking references and insurance, getting a written agreement and avoiding demands for full payment before the work begins.
Someone claiming to represent a utility should carry identification. The warning said legitimate utility employees do not ask residents for cash to restore service. That distinction is useful when an unexpected visitor presents an outage as a reason to act immediately.
The Department of Consumer Protection's Investigations Division handles consumer matters involving home improvement and other regulated activities. Its Consumer Complaint Center can receive reports and help direct a complaint to the appropriate process.
The department also investigates unfair trade practices and can attempt mediation in consumer disputes, according to its description of the division's work.
The state warning asks homeowners to verify a worker and the terms of a repair before paying. Residents who suspect a scam can use the attorney general's or consumer protection department's complaint channels.
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