A.G. Schneiderman Reminds New Yorkers Of His Guide To Protect Consumers From Summer Scams

Schneiderman Urges New Yorkers To Report Home Improvement And Vacation Scams To His Office At 1-800-771-7755

   Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman reminded New Yorkers today of common scams that occur during the summer and offered tips to protect against abuse. Scam artists are known to prey on New Yorkers, particularly during summer months, as consumers embark on home improvement projects and plan family vacations. The Attorney General urged New Yorkers to notify his office of any summer scams designed to dupe unsuspecting consumers.

“As the temperatures rise in the summertime, consumers should proceed with caution in regards to unsolicited offers,” said Attorney General Schneiderman. “Unscrupulous scammers prey on families seeking vacation or timeshare deals, seniors looking to escape the heat, and homeowners working to improve their property. It’s vital that consumers report seasonal scams to the proper authorities so that we may hold these criminals accountable for their actions and prevent them from victimizing others.”

This year, the most common summer scams were related to unsolicited home improvement projects, such as weatherproofing and paint jobs. Other common scams that target consumers include vacation rental and timeshare fraud. Attorney General Schneiderman continued to urge consumers who believe they have been victimized by a summer scam to contact the Attorney General's Consumer Complaint Hotline at 1-800-771-7755 or online at ag.ny.gov.

Below is the Attorney General’s guide to protecting New Yorkers from summer scams. It is also available online here. 

HOME IMPROVEMENT SCAMS

The Drive-Bys

"I'm painting a house (or a barn or a garage) in the neighborhood. I am paving a driveway (or patching a roof) around the corner. I have material left over and can do yours for next to nothing."

Too often this kind of offer results in a watered down stain instead of paint, inferior shingles on half the roof, or a thin smear of blacktop on the driveway. These scammers typically demand a payment upfront and, if they actually finish the job, it probably won't last through the next rainstorm. Their guarantee? Good luck finding them. 

"I was passing by and noticed you had some branches down…your trees really need a trim."

Frequently, the branches are down because the scammer broke them off. If hired, they do work on "unexpected problems" that run up exorbitant charges.  Too often, the scammers threaten consumers if the extra charges are disputed, and sometimes follow the owners to the bank for cash payments.

Weatherproofing Scams: $15,000 Solutions to $150 Problems

“Free Basement Inspections!”When a community has been hit by a series of rainstorms, you can bet the offers for "free basement inspections" will start rolling in. The answer? It's usually an expensive pump or excavating the foundation to waterproof, when the problem was really clogged gutters or a drain blocked by root growth.

"Free Chimney Inspections!"

Same thing. This money saving coupon will usually result in a recommendation for a new chimney or a "cleaning" that involves the sweep spreading soot around to make it look as though the work was done.

Tips To Protect Yourself

• Be suspicious about any unsolicited offer to work on your home. Remember, there is no problem so serious it can't wait a day or two for you to do some research.
• Checkout the contractor with the local Better Business Bureau.
• Get references, particularly about jobs done a while ago.
• Use local companies whose addresses you can verify.
• Get more than one written estimate that includes details about the materials.
• Check with your town or city to see if permits are required. Don't let a contractor work without the necessary permits.
• Don't assume the lowest estimate is the best deal. Check the quality of the materials.
• Be clear that you won't pay for any work not included in the estimate, unless it's agreed upon in writing.
• Always be sure the contractor has valid insurance.
• Always report a scam to local law enforcement and the Attorney General's Office.

VACATION SCAMS

Whether it's to escape the heat of summer or the chill of winter, everyone considers finding a good deal on a vacation a big win. Except when the good deal isn't so good. Vacation fraud is on the rise, and as consumers troll the internet looking for a good price on a dream vacation, scammers are trolling for victims to make a quick buck.

Here are some common vacation scams, and what you can do to make sure you're not caught in the net.

Vacation Rental Scams

The setup: It's just what you wanted! A cottage overlooking a quiet lake; a beachfront condo; an apartment in the heart of the city.  The problem?  It doesn't really exist. Especially prevalent on listing sites like Craigslist, consumers are drawn in by a great deal, they pay upfront and arrive to find that no such address exists.

Tips To Protect Yourself

• Make sure the seller has a valid address and phone number.
• Use a mapping website to verify the address exists and looks like the photos.
• Ask for references before signing any agreements or making a payment.
• Use verified payment sources such as PayPal or a major credit card, which can be traced in the event something goes wrong.
• NEVER make a payment using a wire transfer service such as Western Union or Money Gram.

Vacation Certificate Scams

The set up: you buy a certificate entitling you to deep discounts on flights, hotels or other vacation opportunities. The problem?  There are many. You are paying in advance for a vacation at an unspecified time. The companies frequently are out of business before you use the voucher, or there are so many restrictions that it is nearly impossible to make reservations. And, use of the certificates is often dependent upon using specific, high-priced facilities that negate any other savings, or the facilities are not the five-star resorts they claim to be.

Tips To Protect Yourself

• Check to see if the seller is registered with NYS and with the Better Business Bureau for complaints.
• Check out reviews of the facilities available to the certificate users.
• Read the purchase agreement carefully, looking for cancellation policies and making note of blackout dates and other restrictions.

Timeshares and Vacation Club Scams

Although a timeshare or vacation club may be a legitimate enterprise, the marketing techniques frequently involve high pressure sales that trap people into long term financial commitments they can't afford and may not use.

The set up: Firms offer free vacations if you agree to attend a presentation.  Potential buyers are offered "discounts" if they sign up "right now" for a multi-year membership. The problem? The supposed discounts are frequently more expensive than regular offerings, the advantages and protections offered in the pitch are not the same as what's in the contract, and future costs and fees can escalate without notice.

Tips To Protect Yourself

• Never consider this an "investment." There is little market demand for resale and you will almost certainly lose money on it. In addition, the resale market place is rife with fraud.
• Never sign a contract for a multi-year commitment on the day of the pitch. Take the time to read it carefully, perhaps asking a lawyer to review it.
• Look carefully at how costs can change over the life of the membership or ownership.

 If you believe you have been victimized by a summer scam, please contact the Attorney General's Consumer Complaint Hotline at 1-800- 771-7755 or online atwww.ag.ny.gov.

David Carlucci - 35th Birthday Celebration

Please Help me Celebrate my 

35th Birthday

Fundraiser in support of Senator David Carlucci

June 29th 

 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

 

 Alain's Restaurant  

9 Ingalls St 

Nyack, NY 10960

 $100 - Guest

$250 - Supporter 

 $1,000 - Host

$2,500 - VIP

  

 Please R.S.V.P. to 

Senatorcarlucci@gmail.com 

 or call (845)708-5815 

 Please make check payable to 

 David Carlucci for New York 

 P.O Box 833

Nanuet, NY 10954 

click here to

 Donate Now 

Why shouldn’t the spotlight be on public offenders, too?

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW 
By Senator Rev. Rubén Díaz 
District 32 Bronx County, New York 

You should know that there is a debate raging in the New York State Legislature about eliminating the statute of limitations on sex abuse crimes for criminal and civil actions for certain sex offenses committed against a child less than eighteen years of age.

It is important for you to know that sexual abuse of children is found in every religious, racial, ethnic and socio-economic community. This is a disgrace, and we must do everything we can to institute reform, protect and assist victims, hold those responsible accountable, and prevent future abuse.

You should also know that the proposed bills in the Senate and the Assembly would provide a one-year window period, allowing for lawsuits in old cases to be brought forward in court.

This law would exempt public institutions and their employees, leaving the vast majority of potential plaintiffs who were abused in the past by public officials or public school teachers without the same right to sue those responsible.

In New York State, before anyone files a lawsuit against a town, city or public agency or government employees, the plaintiff must file what is called a Notice of Claim within 90 days of the incident.

A Notice of Claim is required in addition to any statute of limitation deadlines, and the failure to comply with Notice of Claim requirements results in the dismissal of civil lawsuits.

Under the current proposed legislation, there is no such risk of dismissal against non-public institutions nor their employees.

The current advocates for this new law to eliminate the statute of limitations must know that in no way, shape or form would they permit an amendment to the Notice of Claim requirement.

If they would permit that same one-year window for victims of sexual abuse by public officials or public school teachers, they would be opening the flood gates for billions of dollars worth of civil law suits, crashing budgets from small towns to bigger cities like New York.

The voters would certainly reap revenge on those who supported that legislation because it would inflict an outrageous tax burden on its citizens.

This silent conspiracy among the advocates of this bill must be addressed. They should not attempt to bask in the glow of their self-righteousness while they insulate publicly employed perpetrators from the same retro-active civil liability.  

I have to ask myself: How come the Daily News or any other publication, editorial board, or pundit isn’t making this demand, too.  Why shouldn’t the spotlight be on those public offenders, too?  Where is the fairness in this proposed legislation?

I am Senator Rev Rubén Díaz, and this is what you should know.

MAYOR SIGNS CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM ACT

(L-R) Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito, Mayor Bill de Blasio, Council Member Jumaane D. Williams, Public Safety Chair Council Member Vanessa L. Gibson. Photo Credit: Vania Andre, NYC City Council

  Mayor Bill de Blasio signed Intro. 639-Binto law. Sponsored by Council Member Jumaane D. Williams Deputy Leader, the bill will require the New York Police Department (NYPD) to provide quarterly reports to the Mayor's Office and City Council on criminal and civil summonses issued. The data will be categorized into number of summons by offense, race, gender, age, borough and patrol precinct or housing police / transit district the summons was issued in.

The bill, which is part of the Criminal Justice Reform Act, also calls for all data to be published online and in a format that allows for automated processing. Each report is required to include comparative data for summons information for the past five years. The Criminal Justice Reform Act of 2016, comprised of eight bills, aims to change the way low-level nonviolent offenses are enforced, diverting them from criminal to civil matters.

• Int 639-B - amends the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to requiring the police department to submit quarterly reports relating to the issuance of summonses.

• Int 662-A - amends the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to requiring the police department to submit quarterly reports relating to the issuance of desk appearance tickets.

• Int 1056-A - amends the New York city charter and the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to penalties for violating park rules.

• Int 1057-A - amends the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to the enforcement of criminal and civil offenses.

• Int 1058-A - amends the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to the penalties for excessive noise.

• Int 1059-A - amends the New York city charter, in relation to OATH procedures for certain quality of life offenses.

• Int 1067-A - amends the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to the penalties for possessing an open container of alcohol.

• Int 1070-A - amends the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to the penalties for littering, and to repeal subdivision 5 of section 16-118 of the administrative code of the city of New York, relating to the distribution of advertising matter.

"We know police disproportionately issue summons in historically disenfranchised communities," said Council Member Williams."This bill will allow us to track, document and have on record these unfair practices, which will allow us to advocate and implement a change. I want to thank Mayor Bill de Blasio and Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito for their support and leadership on this bill."

In enforcing misdemeanors and non-criminal offenses, the NYPD may either arrest, issue a desk appearance ticket, or issue either a criminal or civil summons. The difference between a desk appearance and a summons is that issuing a desk appearance ticket requires the offender to be fingerprinted and booked, typically at a police precinct. The difference between a criminal summons and a civil summons is that a criminal summons requires the offender to appear in criminal court, while a civil summons requires the offender to appear in a civil tribunal such as the Environmental Control Board. The failure to appear for a criminal summons leads automatically to a warrant, whereas the failure to appear at a civil tribunal leads to a monetary judgment being entered against the offender.

This bill would require the NYPD to issue a quarterly report on both criminal and civil summonses. The bill would require a basic report on the number of each such summons issued, and would require this information to be disaggregated by the offense charged. The bill would further require this information to be disaggregated by the borough and precinct in which summonses were issued, and the age, race, and gender of the person to whom a summons was issued.

"It's important to note that this bill doesn't change enforcement or encourage crime," said Council Member Williams. "It's about a balanced approach and equity. It's my hope that this bill changes how communities are engaged by the NYPD."

The first quarterly report is due October 1, 2017.

Engel, House Pass Puerto Rico Relief Bill

   Congressman Eliot Engel, a senior member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, and House colleagues last week passed a bill aimed at helping Puerto Rico resolve its debt crisis. The Puerto Rico Oversight, Management and Economic Stability Act (PROMESA) will allow the island to restructure its $70 billion debt, though other provisions in the bill have raised concern among lawmakers who feel it will hurt Puerto Rican workers.

“This is a deeply flawed bill, but the reality is that without swift action, Puerto Rico’s already tenuous economic situation is going to balloon into a humanitarian crisis,” Congressman Engel said. “I voted in favor of this legislation because the people of Puerto Rico cannot wait any longer. They don’t deserve to live in a place where hospitals and schools are shutting down because there’s no money to keep them open. But there are parts of this bill that I find deeply problematic. I was disappointed that House Republicans insisted on extracting concessions from Puerto Rican workers in order to secure basic legal protections for the island that every American municipality enjoys. These men and women are American citizens and they do not deserve to be treated—quite literally—like second-class citizens by House Republicans.

“I am hopeful the Senate will give swift consideration to this legislation and send it to the President for his signature. Puerto Rico needs this legislation to address their debt crisis and avoid defaulting on their legal obligations which come due July 1.”

Van Cortlandt Jewish Center Annual Journal-Dinner

  On Sunday, June 26, 2016 at 12 noon, Van Cortlandt Jewish Center, 3880 Sedgwick Ave; Bronx, NY is having its Annual Journal-Dinner honoring Jack Kleinfeld and Jack Spiegel, a Pair of Jacks. These two men highly deserve being honored for all the volunteer work they've done for VCJC.

 

Jack Kleinfeld has stepped up in both creating and chairing the "Future of the VCJC" Committee and has recruited Center Light (VCJC newsletter) and Web-Advertisers as well as business and individual supporters. Besides running his own business, Mr. Kleinfeld is currently the President of the Bronx Chapter of the National Society of Professional Engineers.

 

Jack Spiegel has been assisting fundraising, keeping up the VCJC web site (http://vcjewishcenter.org/index.html), photographing all events and doing what’s needed to be sure VCJC is front and center in people’s minds. He set up programs like a free NYFD taught CPR class for the community. Mr. Spiegel is currently volunteering for many organizations, including VP of VCCFCU, Deputy Chief Bx8 CERT and Treasurer of A.H. Consumers Society and HLMF.

 

The dinner will include an open bar and full buffet for $100. Cocktail hour – 12 noon – will include hot and cold hors D’oeuvres. The dinner will include a Salad Mélange and five Captains stations - Steak House; From the Sea; Chef’s Carving Board; Little Italy and Pacific Rim. Dessert will end the meal with a Viennese table.

 

This year’s event promises to be extraordinary and it is open to the public. Anyone wishing to come and honor these gentlemen should call VCJC at 718-884-6105.

COUNCIL MEMBER ANDY KING CALLS FOR RESIGNATION OF GEORGIA SENATOR FOR PRAYER ABOUT OBAMA’S DEATH

   “The words in the Bible are very clear and so was Sen. David Perdue, who knew exactly what he was saying when he said it!” said Council Member Andy King, who is an executive member of the Black, Latino and Asian Caucus and sits on the Civil Rights Committee. “It is unacceptable to stand before any audience and publicly urge them to put out a spiritual curse on a sitting U.S. President and his family. Sen. Perdue has a responsibility to respect the people he works for and the office of the President. Since Perdue offers no apology for his statement, I’m urging members of Congress and the Senate to call for Perdue’s resignation. Words of hate, by any elected official representing the people of the United States, must not be tolerated.”

Learn How to Protect Yourself from Identity Theft and ATM Fraud

Learn How to Protect Yourself

from Identity Theft and ATM Fraud

 A Bronx Chamber of Commerce / Country Bank

Networking Event

Wednesday, June 29, 6:00-8:00pm

at Applebee's in Riverdale

 

Sponsored by Country Bank

Your friendly, neighborhood bank for business