Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin announced that the Division of Consumer Affairs has taken enforcement actions against 18 home improvement contractor businesses and 11 moving companies operating in New Jersey without required registrations or licenses. These actions followed undercover operations, named Operation Safe House and Operation Safe Move, conducted in Manchester Township and Hamilton Township respectively.
During Operation Safe House, investigators posed as individuals seeking contractors to renovate a single-family house. Over three days starting October 20, 2025, they contacted contractors advertising services despite having expired or no registration. Contractors who responded were issued Notices of Violation (NOVs) and $2,500 civil penalties each for soliciting work without active registration.
In a separate two-day sting beginning October 15, 2025, Operation Safe Move targeted unlicensed movers responding to online advertisements. Investigators hired these companies for a fictitious move within New Jersey. Upon arrival at the arranged location in Hamilton Township, the movers met with Division investigators and members of the New Jersey State Police Mobile Safe Freight Unit, who also performed safety inspections on their vehicles. Each company was cited with an NOV and a $5,000 penalty.
According to Attorney General Platkin: “Businesses should never take advantage of hardworking New Jerseyans. Unfortunately, businesses operating without a proper license or registration pose a risk to consumers through potential poor service quality, property damage, and a lack of legal recourse should something go wrong. By proactively identifying and taking enforcement action against these businesses, we’re reducing the risks to consumers and sending the message that this unlawful conduct will not be tolerated.”
Elizabeth M. Harris, Acting Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs stated: “Companies doing business in New Jersey must follow the law and adhere to all regulations that protect consumers from deceptive or unfair practices. As these undercover enforcement actions demonstrate, businesses caught trying to circumvent these laws will be held accountable.”
Regulations require home improvement contractors and public movers in New Jersey to register or obtain licenses from the Division of Consumer Affairs and maintain general liability insurance coverage. These measures are designed to protect consumers from unlawful business practices.
The operation against moving companies resulted not only in civil penalties but also uncovered 45 motor vehicle safety violations during truck inspections by state police.
Unlicensed movers have been known for holding customer property hostage for higher payments or disappearing with possessions entirely. Such operators often lack adequate insurance coverage as well.
To raise awareness about hiring licensed movers, the Division has launched a program providing free bumper stickers reading: Don’t Trust Your Possessions to Unlicensed Movers…Check My License at: MyMoversNJ.gov for use on trucks operated by licensed companies.
Consumers can find more information about hiring reputable contractors on resources provided by the Division’s website or report suspected consumer abuse by filing complaints with the State Division of Consumer Affairs via its official site or telephone hotlines.
Investigations were led by staff from the Office of Consumer Protection with assistance from Ocean County Department of Consumer Affairs during Operation Safe House.
