Long Island Private Investigator: How to Protect Yourself from Contractor Fraud
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Have you ever felt uneasy after hiring a contractor for your home renovation project? Maybe the job took longer than promised, the materials didn’t match the estimate, or the contractor stopped answering your calls. Unfortunately, contractor fraud is a real issue for many New Yorkers. At Easton Secure Solutions LLC, we regularly assist homeowners across Long Island and New York City in uncovering whether a contractor is legitimate — and, if not, providing the evidence they need to protect themselves.
Why Contractor Fraud Happens
Home renovations and repairs are often expensive, and homeowners trust contractors with large deposits. Unscrupulous individuals exploit this trust by taking deposits without performing work, using cheap materials, inflating invoices, or disappearing entirely.
One major problem is that many homeowners don’t know which licenses or registrations contractors are required to hold. Unlike some states, New York does not have a single, statewide license for most general contractors. Instead, requirements vary by city and county.
Licensing and Legal Requirements in New York
No statewide general contractor license.
New York does not have a single, statewide license for most general contractors. A few specialized trades (for example: asbestos abatement contractors, crane operators, elevator mechanics) require state-level licensure, but most residential contractors are licensed or registered at the city or county level — so local checks matter. Source: Procore – NY Contractors License
New York City
Home-improvement contractors must hold a Home Improvement Contractor License through the NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP).This requires proof of insurance, EPA/RRP certification (when applicable), and either a $20,000 surety bond or enrollment in the DCWP Trust Fund. Many larger projects also require registration with the NYC Department of Buildings as a General Contractor.
Nassau & Suffolk Counties
Contractors on Long Island must be licensed by the county consumer affairs departments.
You can verify licenses through:
- Nassau County Consumer Affairs
- Suffolk County License & Complaint Lookup
Written contracts and consumer rights
- For projects over $500, New York law requires a written contract that includes certain disclosures.
- Homeowners have a 3-business-day right to cancel after signing.
- Contractors must protect advance payments by using escrow or an approved bond.
Mechanic’s liens and remedies
- Unlicensed contractors may lose their ability to enforce certain remedies, such as filing mechanic’s liens or suing for unpaid work. This makes verifying licensing even more important.
- Source: Levelset – NY Lien Law FAQs
How Easton Secure Solutions Investigates Contractor Fraud
At Easton Secure Solutions LLC, we approach suspected contractor fraud like any other investigation — gathering evidence methodically, legally, and discreetly. Here’s what we do:
- Verify licensing and registration: We check NYC DCWP, DOB, and Nassau/Suffolk databases to confirm if a contractor is legally authorized.
- Background investigations: We look for prior complaints, lawsuits, bankruptcies, or revoked licenses.
- Surveillance and documentation: If a contractor is suspected of abandoning work, we can document their activities (or lack thereof) at the job site.
- Evidence for legal action: Our reports are structured to be court-ready, giving homeowners the documentation they need for complaints, lawsuits, or law enforcement.
A Realistic Case Example
A Long Island homeowner contacted us after a contractor disappeared with a $15,000 deposit. We quickly discovered that the contractor’s Suffolk County license had been revoked for prior fraud complaints. By documenting the missing work, confirming the lapsed license, and compiling witness statements, we were able to provide the homeowner with the evidence needed to recover part of the deposit through the county’s consumer protection program. Without proper investigation, this homeowner might have written off the loss entirely.
Protecting Yourself as a Homeowner If you’re hiring a contractor in New York:
- Always verify their license through NYC DCWP or your county’s consumer affairs department.
- Make sure you receive a written contract for any job over $500.
- Never pay the full amount up front — deposits should be reasonable and protected.
- Keep a record of all payments, receipts, and communications.
- If something feels wrong, trust your instincts and seek help early.
How We Can Help
Contractor fraud can be financially and emotionally devastating. By combining investigative expertise with knowledge of New York’s licensing and consumer protection laws, Easton Secure Solutions helps homeowners uncover the truth and take back control.
➡️ If you’re dealing with a suspicious contractor or unfinished work, reach out for a confidential consultation. We’ll help you verify the facts and prepare the documentation you need.
Final Thoughts
Contractors can make or break your dream project. Knowing your rights and having a trusted investigator in your corner can protect you from devastating losses. At Easton Secure Solutions LLC, we’re here to ensure you never have to face contractor fraud alone.
📞 Easton Secure Solutions LLC
Licensed NYS Private Investigator #11000228434
☎️ Call: (516) 962-1267
✉️ Email: [email protected]
💻 Website: https://eastonsecuresolutions.com
📅 Schedule: Book a 30-minute consultation
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🔎 Verify Our License: NYS License Lookup
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