TRENTON — A dozen Ocean County home improvement contractors were among those hit with fines after state investigators uncovered unregistered or expired businesses soliciting work during an undercover sting in Manchester Township, Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin announced.
The operation — dubbed Operation Safe House — resulted in Notices of Violation and $2,500 penalties for 18 home improvement contractor businesses, many of them based in Ocean County. Investigators from the Division of Consumer Affairs, posing as homeowners planning to “flip” a house, requested quotes for roofing, siding, flooring, fencing, kitchen renovations and other projects. Contractors who submitted bids without an active registration were cited.
Ocean County businesses cited include:
All-Star Garage Door, Forked River – Failure to renew registration
Black River Contracting LLC, Ocean Gate – Failure to renew registration
BW Carpeting LLC, Brick – Failure to renew registration
Car-Mo-Na Fencing LLC, Forked River – Failure to renew registration
Eco Star Exterior, Lanoka Harbor – Failure to renew registration
Effata Management LLC, Toms River – Failure to renew registration
Franks Masonry & More LLC, Beachwood – Failure to renew registration
Frogmen Construction LLC, Tuckerton – Failure to renew registration
JB Construction & Consulting LLC, Toms River – Failure to renew registration
Magic Touch Handyman Services LLC, Toms River – Failure to register
Mike’s Roofing and Siding, Barnegat – Failure to register
Pats Masonry LLC, Brick – Failure to renew registration
Revival Restoration LLC, Manahawkin – Failure to register
Revolution Flooring LLC, Jackson – Failure to renew registration
Siding Master’s, Brick – Failure to renew registration
Ten Fence LLC, Toms River – Failure to renew registration
Westbury Siding & Builders, Jackson – Failure to renew registration
In total, the sting produced $45,000 in penalties tied to home improvement contractors.
Platkin said unregistered businesses put consumers at risk, noting that these companies often lack required insurance, making it difficult for residents to seek recourse if work is shoddy or property is damaged.
“Businesses operating without a proper license or registration pose a risk to consumers,” Platkin said. “By taking enforcement action, we’re sending a message that this unlawful conduct will not be tolerated.”
Acting Division Director Elizabeth M. Harris said the operation demonstrates the state’s commitment to holding violators accountable.
Ocean County’s Department of Consumer Affairs assisted state investigators during the Manchester sting.
