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Undercover sting operation uncovers unlicensed contractors
Undercover sting operation uncovers unlicensed contractors
Trenton, NJ – Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin announced the results of recent undercover enforcement operations by the Division of Consumer Affairs. The operations led to Notices of Violation and civil penalties against 18 home improvement contractor businesses and 11 moving companies allegedly operating without necessary licenses.
Operation Safe House took place over three days in Manchester Township. Investigators targeted home improvement contractors advertising services despite expired registrations or no registrations at all.
In a separate operation, known as Operation Safe Move, investigators conducted a two-day sting in Hamilton Township. This operation revealed numerous unlicensed moving companies doing business in New Jersey without the required licenses.
The investigations highlighted the necessity for compliance with state regulations. Businesses are required to be registered and must maintain general liability insurance to protect consumers.
“Businesses should never take advantage of hardworking New Jerseyans,” said Platkin. He emphasized that unlicensed companies pose risks to consumers due to potential poor service and lack of legal recourse.
Acting Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs, Elizabeth M. Harris, stressed the importance of compliance. “Companies must follow the law and adhere to all regulations that protect consumers from deceptive or unfair practices,” she stated.
In Operation Safe House, investigators posed as individuals seeking to renovate a home. They requested bids from numerous contractors, resulting in citations for those without active registrations.
During Operation Safe Move, investigators hired unlicensed movers for a scheduled relocation. Upon arrival, the company representatives were greeted by investigators verifying their credentials and performing safety inspections.
The moving companies cited during this operation faced penalties of $5,000 each. Inspections found 45 motor vehicle safety violations among the unlicensed operations.
The Division has implemented an outreach program to educate consumers about hiring licensed movers. This includes distributing bumper stickers to licensed companies to raise awareness of the importance of verifying movers’ credentials.
Consumers may file complaints with the State Division of Consumer Affairs if they believe they have been scammed or mistreated.
For more information on contractor hiring practices, visit the Division’s website.
New Jersey lawsuit filed against U.S. Department of Education over loan forgiveness eligibility
Lawsuit filed against U.S. Department of Education over loan forgiveness eligibility
Trenton, NJ – Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and 21 other attorneys general have filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Education regarding its eligibility restrictions for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. The PSLF program allows federal student loans to be forgiven after a decade of public service.
The lawsuit challenges a recent federal rule that determines certain state governments or nonprofit organizations as ineligible employers for PSLF based on a vague standard involving “substantial illegal” activities. The coalition asserts that this broad interpretation unfairly targets specific states and organizations associated with ideologies disfavored by the administration.
Platkin criticized the new rule, claiming it represents an illegal attack on public servants who contribute significantly to their communities. The PSLF program, established in 2007, incentivizes individuals to work in public service fields, enabling over one million public servants to pursue careers that otherwise may not have been financially viable.
On October 31, the Department of Education finalized a rule allowing it to declare organizations ineligible for PSLF if the administration identifies them as having a substantial illegal purpose. The definition of illegality includes activities connected to immigration support, political protests, and gender-affirming healthcare, with the rule set to take effect in July 2026.
The coalition argues this vague authority could result in many public workers losing PSLF eligibility. Such changes would lead to staffing shortages and increased turnover in crucial public service jobs.
The lawsuit asserts that the new rule is unlawful and contravenes existing PSLF regulations, which guarantee forgiveness for those in qualifying public service roles. The attorneys general seek a court ruling declaring the rule invalid and halting its implementation.
Joining Platkin in this legal action are the attorneys general of New York, Massachusetts, California, and Colorado, along with others from across the country. A group of local governments and private plaintiffs is also filing a separate lawsuit to challenge the new rule.
