NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Jan. --, 2007
Contacts: Brian Livingston, Arizona Registrar of Contractors: (602) 542-1525 X7130
Tracy Scott: (602) 677-3232
ROC consumer alert: Unlicensed contractor arrested For home repair scam
[PHOENIX] – The Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC) reports that Robert M. Branton has been arrested in Maryland and will be transported to Maricopa County on an eight-count indictment for crimes against seniors. He was charged for doing work as a traveling contractor in Arizona.
SPECIFIC DETAILS ABOUT WORK
Branton worked in Arizona last year as part of a five-member operation that set out to perform home repairs without an ROC license, and specifically targeted seniors. Many of these disreputable individuals systematically go through neighborhoods and offer reduced-cost home repairs.
To protect yourself from being a victim of home repair scams, remember that most legitimate contractors do not:
The ROC reminds homeowners to hire only licensed contractors. The ROC recommends that you check the license status of a contractor with the ROC before hiring signing a contract for a project or home repair by calling 602-542-1525 or toll-free statewide outside Maricopa County at 1-888-271-9286, or visit www.azroc.gov.
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The ROC regulates construction contractors in the state by providing a licensing and regulatory system for residential and commercial contractors designed to protect the health, safety and welfare of the public. Additionally, the ROC offers financial protection to residential consumers who use licensed contractors through its Residential Contractors’ Recovery Fund. Established in 1931, the ROC operates 11 offices statewide. For more information about the agency, call 602-542-1525 or toll-free outside Maricopa County at 888-271-9286 or visit www.azroc.gov.