For years, unscrupulous contractors have manipulated homeowners into signing shady contracts that invariably lead to subpar repairs and fraud. The predatory practice not only victimizes consumers but also drives up insurance premiums.
Maryland is one of many states to seek a legal remedy and just yesterday approved a bill that will ostensibly deter the crime. In a move endorsed by the Coalition, Gov. Martin O'Malley signed a new law forbidding contractors from offering rebates.
"The door was slammed on a shameful ruse that lets crooked contractors [perform] shoddy and inflated repairs," says Howard Goldblatt, the Coalition's director of government affairs. "Prosecutors now have a focused legal tool that can better sweep cheating contractors off the streets."
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