Be Wary of "The Welcome Network"

Contractors and consumers: Be wary of The Welcome Network, a "service" claiming to have started a process to register and certify residential service contractors.

This is the message from the county's Department of Consumer Protection, which is reminding people and businesses that home improvement licenses are issued only by the department and any other registration or certification from an outside "service" is not required to maintain a county home improvement license.

John Gaccione, acting director of Consumer Protection, said, "The service is not endorsed or affiliated with Westchester County in any way. It is a private service soliciting and claiming to provide a 'service' for a fee of $250. If you are approached by this firm, don't hesitate to call us at 995-2155."

Gaccione noted that documents sent out by the Welcome Network use a heading of "Westchester County Certification Office," which can easily be mistaken as an official notice or document.
Westchester County law requires home improvement contractors to obtain a license from the county consumer department. For more information as well as a full list of licensed contractors, go to www. westchestergov.com/consumer. You may also call the Licensing Division (914)995-2155 for more information.

Gaccione said that the consumer department has received inquiries about the Welcome Network and is investigating it further. The department will advise licensed contractors as more information becomes available.