Maryland Labor Secretary Applauds Attorney General Gansler for Action Taken to Combat Criminal Paving Scam

Office of the Attorney General issues cease and desist order against Tommy Edward Clack following investigations by Maryland Home Improvement Commission

BALTIMORE, MD (November 16, 2011) – Maryland Labor Secretary Alexander M. Sanchez applauds Attorney General Douglas F. Gansler for action taken against Tommy Edward Clack, an unlicensed contractor accused of operating a criminal scam enterprise. Clack has been under investigation by the Department of Labor’s Home Improvement Commission (MHIC) and several state and local law enforcement agencies for paving scams that have robbed Maryland homeowners, mostly senior citizens, of tens of thousands of dollars for unsolicited work and for deceiving consumers about the cost of his services. Earlier today, the Office of the Attorney General issued a cease and desist order against Clack.

Secretary Sanchez released the follow statement commending the actions taken against Clack:

“I applaud Attorney General Gansler and the Division of Consumer Protection for their proactive measures to protect homeowners – especially our vulnerable senior citizens – against criminal scams like those Mr. Clack is accused of. I am proud that the Maryland Home Improvement Commission was able to work with the Attorney General’s office to strike a blow against this alleged criminal enterprise.

“We urge all homeowners who are hiring any contractors for home improvements to take active measures to protect themselves. Ask for references and referrals. Check your contractor’s license and contact MHIC to see if there are any consumer complaints about their work. Never pay for services up front and keep a record of all transactions. Under Maryland law, home improvement contractors must be licensed.”

The Maryland Department of Labor Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing operates MHIC and administers the Home Improvement Guaranty Fund. The Fund offers homeowners protection from shoddy work and compensates homeowners who suffer economic damages due to the work of a licensed contractor. The fund only protects homeowners who use licensed contractors. Consumers can check on contractors’ licensing statuses and complaint histories by calling the Maryland Home Improvement Commission at 410.230.6309 or visiting MHIC’s website.

The Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation protects and empowers Marylanders by safeguarding workers, protecting consumers, providing a safety net and cultivating a thriving workforce that can meet the demands of Maryland’s dynamic economy. Follow DLLR on Twitter (@MD_DLLR) and Facebook.

Updated November 16, 2011