FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                    November 13, 2008   

CONTRACTOR ARRESTED ON GRAND LARCENY CHARGES

     An unlicensed contractor who took deposits to install a walk-in tub for several elderly Westchester residents but never did the work has been arrested following an investigation by the county departments of Public Safety and  Consumer Protection.

     William Becker, 46, who has addresses in Florida and New Jersey, is charged with two counts of Grand Larceny 3rd, a felony, for taking deposits from residents of Yorktown and New Rochelle and never delivering or installing the tubs. A third case involving a Mount Vernon resident is currently under investigation and charges are anticipated.

Becker set up a booth in Oct. 2007 at the Home Improvement Show at Pace University and accepted deposits totaling $21,600 from the three county residents.

     “These consumers needed the walk-in tubs to improve their quality of life,” said Consumer Protection Director Gary Brown. “Instead, this turned into their worst consumer nightmare, paying thousands of dollars and receiving nothing in return.”

     Becker, whose company is based in Florida, was identified as the contractor who took the deposits following an investigation by county police Detective Alison Carpentier and Consumer Protection Inspector Vincent Cassels. Their investigation also determined that similar complaints have been made against Becker in Pennsylvania and Florida.

     Brown said any other Westchester residents who believe they were scammed by Becker should contact the Department of Consumer Protection at 995-2155.

     As a result of the Westchester investigation, a warrant was issued for Becker’s arrest. The U.S. Marshals New York-New Jersey Fugitive Task Force tracked Becker to Cherry Hill, N.J. and arrested him recently.

     Becker was brought back to Westchester today by county police.  He is expected to be arraigned in Yorktown Town Court and New Rochelle City Court later today.

     The county offered these general tips for hiring a contactor to do any home improvement work:

· Avoid unlicensed contractors.  To find out if a contractor is licensed you can check online at www.westchestergov.com/consumer or by telephone at 914-995-2155.  You can also check to see whether there have been complaints against the contractor.

· Avoid contractors who show up at your doorstep unannounced or contact you through telemarketing. 

· Avoid transient contractors who only have a P.O. Box address or a cell phone number.

· Avoid contractors who demand payment in cash or want more than one-third of the total payment before work has begun.

· Get at least three estimates, especially if the job is big.  In assessing the estimates, don’t always go with the low bidder.  A higher price may be worth it if the contractor is the most experienced, will use better materials, will do a better job, and keep to a timeline.

· Be wary of an extremely low bid.  It may be an indication that the contractor is overeager for your business, made a mistake in preparing the bid or is not including all the work quoted by the other bidders. 

· Ask each contractor for references, and call the references to see if they were satisfied with the work.  Also, see for yourself by visiting the homes where the contractor has done work.

· Once you’ve decided on a contractor, insist on a written contract that sets forth all important details of the job.  Do NOT agree to an oral contract.

· Whenever possible, pay by credit card.  You have additional protection if there’s a problem.

     Further information on hiring a contractor, including a brochure and a video with useful tips, can be found at www.westchestergov.com.