New Jersey Attorney General Matt Platkin announced Monday that a major undercover enforcement sweep in Ocean County resulted in violations and fines for 18 home improvement contractors operating without required state registrations — part of a broader statewide crackdown that also cited 11 unlicensed moving companies.
The Ocean County–based operation, Operation Safe House, was conducted in Manchester Township and led to $45,000 in civil penalties against contractors soliciting work without valid Home Improvement Contractor Business (HICB) registrations.
During the three-day enforcement action that began October 20, investigators from the Division of Consumer Affairs posed as would-be house flippers at an unoccupied single-family home in Manchester. They contacted contractors advertising online despite having expired registrations or never obtaining one.
Contractors were invited to the property to provide estimates for roofing, siding, fencing, kitchen and bath renovations, and flooring installation. Once they submitted bids, investigators issued Notices of Violation and $2,500 civil penalties.
The contractors cited in the Ocean County operation include businesses based in Forked River, Ocean Gate, Brick, Toms River, Beachwood, Tuckerton, Jackson, Lanoka Harbor, Manahawkin, and Barnegat.
Most violations involved failure to renew state-required registrations; others involved never registering at all.
State law requires home improvement contractors to register with the Division, maintain general liability insurance, and follow consumer protection rules to ensure fair and reliable service.
Although the primary enforcement activity took place in Ocean County, the Division simultaneously carried out Operation Safe Move in Hamilton Township (Mercer County), targeting moving companies operating without state licenses.
Eleven movers were cited and fined $5,000 each after investigators posing as customers hired them for a staged move. Upon arrival, the movers were met by enforcement teams seeking proof of licensure. The New Jersey State Police Mobile Safe Freight Unit also conducted truck inspections and uncovered 45 motor vehicle safety violations.
Unlicensed movers have been linked to predatory practices such as holding customers’ property hostage for additional fees or disappearing with entire shipments. Many also lack adequate insurance to cover losses or damages.
The Division urges Ocean County homeowners to thoroughly vet any contractor or mover before hiring.
Resources include: Nail It! contractor-verification tips: njconsumeraffairs.gov/nailit
Consumers who suspect fraud or abuse can file a complaint online or call 1-800-242-5846 (toll-free in New Jersey) or 973-504-6200.
As a licensed home improvement contractor i am pleased to hear the AG finally taking action against those not in compliance with the law.
I frequently see unlicensed individuals on the Nextdoor app in Berkeley, Toms River areas where they prey on seniors that are in need of home repairs of all types.
As a longtime legal contractor from the area , I wouldn’t mind naming a few names . This problem spans further than most would imagine . Not to mention they are stealing work from those of us who follow the rules . I will like to see this crackdown continue .
Some people are mad because they cant mx anymore.
If the DCA spent one 8 hour day going thru sites like Nextdoor and just targeted the obvious ones that don’t put their registration number as required on advertising or business cards; or people that advertise things that are clear based on the services they offer- even just running names through their own simple verification system, then they’d bust an order of magnitude more than this.
It is nice to finally see some movement that isn’t a new burden on the people doing things correctly like the new bond required this year, but targeted enforcement of those who are blatantly violating the basic requirements of HIC laws.
Taking the free out of free market. More pay to play arm twisting from the government.
They don’t need set up a phony house and ask for phony estimates. Just camp outside the local Home Depot and Lowe’s. Registered Contractors are required to have their registration number on their vehicle. It’s pretty obvious who the unregistered outfits are. The investigators can sit in an unmarked car, and most of the villains will pull right up to them by 8am
It’s nice to see the enforcement in place after hearing multiple customers telling me horror stories about the thousands of dollars they have given to unregistered and more than likely undocumented individuals Please enforce Middlesex & Union County !
I’m tired of negotiating with people because they have an extremely lower bid from a person who claims to be a contractor and isn’t. I encourage people to do a background check and look at the reviews (if any) before making a final decision. I thought the fine was $10k for working unregistered, uninsured and bonded.
Fantastic I’ve been working in senior villages 40 years I’m licensed insured registered with all senior community’s I work in my license number is on my ads as well as my trailer residents can go online and check do this also google their name ! See who your really hiring if there phone number has changed look into it I’ve had the same phone number my whole life really it was my teen number I never had to hide from anyone glad to see this happening Senoirs look into who your hiring !!
NAMES OF CONTRACTORS PLEASE
As a reputable home improvement contractor, it really is amazing to see others operating unregistered. All reputable roofing, window replacement, and siding companies in New Jersey are licensed, bonded, and insured. Homeowners need to make sure they see licensing information upfront before any payments are exchanged!