Snow removal contractors: Attorney General James warns New Yorkers to be wary when hiring them

Long Islanders should research snow removal contractors before hiring them and never pay full price ahead of their service, according to New York Attorney General Letitia James.

Before hiring someone to dig them out of their houses following what may be a record-shattering blizzard, homeowners should ensure they can be trusted, James said in a Monday news release.

Residents should turn to contractors who have been in business for several years, or those who have been recommended by trusted neighbors or friends. Those looking to hire can check if anyone has lodged complaints against the company through the Better Business Bureau.

Residents of Nassau and Suffolk can verify a contractor’s license through their respective county’s consumer affairs departments.

After these initial steps ahead of hiring, homeowners should document their contractor’s license plate and obtain their driver’s license to write down both its number and the address listed, James said. She recommended people obtain signed contracts with the contractor’s name, telephone number and an address that is not a post office box. Any special requests, such as the time a driveway must be cleared and a reason why, should be noted in the contract.

Homeowners should refrain from paying the full cost of snow removal service with cash or electronic forms of payment, such as Venmo or Zelle, before the job is done, according to James. They should use a credit card or check to establish a paper trail of the payment.

"As we dig out from this blizzard, many homeowners across the state may look to hire help to clear the snow around their houses and driveways," James said in a statement Monday. "It has been a long time since parts of our state have experienced heavy snowfall like this, and I encourage New Yorkers to follow these tips to stay safe and ensure they receive the services they are using their hard-earned money to pay for."

On Saturday, as the winter storm loomed, James issued a consumer alert asking New Yorker to report "unconscionably excessive" and illegal price gouging on essential goods, from food and water to gasoline and batteries and even lodging and transportation.

"Winter weather is no excuse for price gouging," James said in the Saturday release. "As New Yorkers prepare for another snowstorm, my office is on the lookout for those trying to take advantage of consumers with excessive price hikes."

New Yorkers can file a complaint regarding snow removal contractors or price gouging to the Office of the Attorney General either online or by calling 800-771-7755.