Suffolk County Executive Robert J. Gaffney today signed into law a bill setting up a web site identifying the ten worst unlicensed individuals and businesses in the County. Beginning July 1, consumers can access information at www.co.suffolk.ny.us and follow the links to the Department of Consumer Affairs. The information available is taken from the complaint files of the County’s Department of Consumer Affairs and will be updated every ninety days.

"Each year, we receive hundreds of complaints from consumers about shoddy work or unscrupulous dealings by tradesmen and businesses who sell themselves as legitimate but who are, in reality, unlicensed," said Gaffney. "By establishing this list, we can give the consumer updated and accurate information to avoid the pitfalls of contracting with an unlicensed business," the County Executive said.

Suffolk County licenses a wide range of individuals and businesses that operate locally. Some of these include: home improvement contractors, home appliance repair businesses, electricians, plumbers, painters, dry cleaners, furniture stores, septic services, and tax grievance consultants. The new web site will list those with the most complaints against them who are operating in the County without the required license.

Frank DiFazio, CEO of DiFazio Electric, Inc. and Chairman of the Electrical Occupation Licensing Board was also in attendance. DiFazio expressed his support of the local initiative. "I whole-heartedly agree that this piece of legislation is necessary and long overdue for the protection of both Suffolk County’s consumers as well as its industrial competitors," he remarked. County Executive Gaffney urged all consumers to take a few moments to check this site before entering into any work agreement locally, "The immediate access to this important information can go a long way in helping to reduce the likelihood of a harrowing experience with an unscrupulous vendor," he concluded.