Duncan Recognizes Investigators Who Halteed Driveway Paving Scam

db:driveway.pr 97-296 Contact: George Rose, 301-217-7428

DUNCAN RECOGNIZES INVESTIGATORS
WHO HALTED DRIVEWAY PAVING SCAM FOR RELEASE: September 29, 1997

County Executive Douglas M. Duncan today recognized an investigator from the
Division of Consumer Affairs and officers from the Police Department for their role in
apprehending an unlicensed driveway paving contractor who had been posing as a licensed
county business.
John Purcell was using the name of B & B Paving Company -- a licensed and insured
contractor in Gaithersburg -- to solicit paving business in Montgomery County. After
receiving complaints and inquiries from customers solicited by Purcell, the owners of B & B
filed a complaint with the Division of Consumer Affairs (DCA). Soon after, DCA received a
call which aroused their suspicions from a Bethesda resident with questions about the
contractor who was paving his driveway. DCA Investigator John Creel went to the home and
confronted Purcell. When Purcell could not produce a proper license, Creel alerted the police,
who immediately responded and made an arrest. Purcell was placed in the County Detention
Center on $100,000 bond.

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DRIVEWAY PAVING SCAM 2-2-2-2
"Consumers lose hundreds of thousands of dollars each year from incomplete,
abandoned or poorly performed home improvement projects," said Duncan. "The quick action
taken by these County employees will not only help protect consumers from being victimized
by unlicensed contractors, but should help protect the reputation and prevent financial injury
to a hardworking, legitimate business."
Maryland law requires home improvement contractors to be licensed by the Maryland
Home Improvement Commission (MHIC). The licensing requirement protects consumers by
ensuring that contractors have been screened for criminal activity; have financial solvency;
have at least two years trade experience; and have passed a test on the home improvement
law and general business competency. In addition, licensed contractors are required to make
payments to the Home Improvement Guaranty Fund. This fund reimburses the consumer if
they have a dispute with a licensed contractor and the Commission finds in the consumer's
favor.
To further protect consumers, the Division of Consumer Affairs is launching a door-to-
door effort to distribute educational material to residents. "Since unlicensed home
improvement contractors find their victims by going door-to-door, we will use the same
method to educate consumers," stated George Rose, Chief, Division of Consumer Affairs.
Consumer Affairs offers these tips concerning any home improvement work:
Find out if the firm is licensed, and how long it has been in business.
Get multiple estimates.
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DRIVEWAY PAVING SCAM 3-3-3-3
Check with Consumer Affairs and/or the Better Business Bureau to see if any
complaints have been filed against the contractor.
Beware of any contractor who solicits your business by claiming they have leftover
material and will perform the service at a reduced charge.
Ask the contractor for the names of suppliers he deals with and for names of previous
customers who live in your area.
Don't rely on verbal promises.
Don't sign any contract unless you understand all the terms.
Don't advance full payment for the work, and inspect the job carefully before making
final payment.
For more information, call the Maryland Home Improvement Commission at 410-333-
6309 or the Consumer Affairs Division at 301-217-7373.
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