Buyer Beware

Consumer Info, FAQ Section, links, and valuable information                    

The term " Buyer Beware” has always been a pet peeve of mine, especially in law classes. I always felt it was not fair or in the public's best interest. That is exactly why special agencies have been set up by State and Federal agencies to help protect against this so-called term. The problem is that the general public does not know what to look for or how to. 

WHAT IS A CONSUMER TO DO?

 Honestly, it can be really inconvenient for the consumer to know what to look for and how to look for it.

WE HAVE PROVIDED: A Page with valuable information, including what to ask a contractor. There is also a page with a LIVE LINK for Consumers to utilize in verifying information about the contractors.                               [See link below]     

Here are a few tips to the “Buyer Beware,”  especially with the internet. 

  • Not all companies are Who and what they say they are. Some companies, over time, do not adapt and change to the regulations and consumers’ concerns. 

  • Statistically, most companies fail because they are not adaptable and flexible and become stale.

  • Our lives revolve around the internet, computers/tablets, mobile devices, and cell phones. The remarkable thing is that we can access data anytime, anyplace. This makes every aspect of our lives more vulnerable to being targeted by scammers and popup companies. Some of what we find on the internet are companies that look legit. Unfortunately, many of these companies on the internet did nothing but assume a business name and listed themselves with a website and email "setting up business"”

  • On the other hand, there are other businesses that were once legal but may no longer be. Some are either not properly registered with the State of NJ State Department of Treasury. WHAT seems to be very popular is not being Licensed or Registered to operate by The State of New Jersey Office of the Attorney Generals with the Division of Consumer Affairs.

AVOID INSURANCE PROBLEMS:

  • When hiring a contractor, ask for a copy of their General Liability Insurance and Workman's Compensation.

  • Check that the policies are active, the contact information of the Agent and or Insurance company is listed on the documents.

  • Ensure that the Name of the company insured is the Name Registered as the Contractor that you are doing business with. ***, REMEMBER if a Trade Name or “DBA” is being used it will list it.