NY Takesa Stand Against Roofing Scams.

* ALBANY, N.Y., -- New York has put statewide protections in place for residents to help prevent roofing scams. Governor Andrew Cuomo signed S1405/A7531, sponsored by Senator David Carlucci and Assemblymember Marianne Buttenschon, into law helping ensure New Yorkers homes and businesses are properly and safely repaired.

New consumer protections include:

* Providing additional time to cancel a roof repair contract.

* Preventing a roofing contractor from abandoning a contract without cause.

* Guarding against kickbacks for claim services referrals.

* Forbidding advertisements or promises to rebate an insurance deductible.

* Restricting a requirement for a deposit with payment for materials being due upon receipt by the customer.

In recent years, New York has seen instances where con artists flock to an area hit by a storm or natural disaster, posing as legitimate roofing contractors. These scam artists, known as storm chasers, take advantage of people to make some quick cash. They perform substandard work or simply take a homeowners...