TRENTON – Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin today announced that undercover enforcement operations carried out by the Division of Consumer Affairs (“Division”) resulted in Notices of Violation (“NOVs”) and civil penalties against 18 home improvement contractor businesses (“HICBs”) and 11 moving companies allegedly doing business in New Jersey without the required registrations or licenses.

Operation Safe House, a three-day enforcement sting carried out in Manchester Township, resulted in NOVs and $2,500 civil penalties against 18 home improvement contractor businesses (“HICBs”) soliciting work without being registered with the Division or with registrations that have expired. Similarly, Operation Safe Move, a two-day enforcement sting carried out in in Hamilton Township (Mercer County), resulted in NOVs and $5,000 civil penalties against 11 moving companies doing business without being licensed by the Division.

Regulated businesses in New Jersey, which include HICBs and public movers, are required to be registered or licensed by the Division and are subject to regulations aimed at protecting consumers from unlawful business practices and maintaining fair competition within their industries. These regulations require, among other things, that businesses carry general liability insurance.

"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,” said Attorney General Platkin. “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.”

“Companies doing business in New Jersey must follow the law and adhere to all regulations that protect consumers from deceptive or unfair practices,” said Elizabeth M. Harris, Acting Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs. “As these undercover enforcement actions demonstrate, businesses caught trying to circumvent these laws will be held accountable.”

Operation Safe House

Operation Safe House was carried out by Division investigators posing as individuals seeking to “flip” an unoccupied single-family house in Manchester Township. Reaching out to numerous HICBs that were advertising services despite having an expired registration or never having obtained a registration, investigators asked the HICBs to come to the house and provide estimates for a variety of interior and exterior projects, including roofing, siding, fencing, kitchen and bath renovations, and flooring installation. Over the course of the three-day operation, which began on October 20, 2025, the contractors appeared at the Manchester location to determine the scope of work. HICBs that submitted bids were cited for soliciting home improvement work without having an active HICB registration.

The HICBs cited are:

Operation Safe Move

Operation Safe Move was carried out by Division investigators posing as consumers seeking to move their belongings from one location to another within New Jersey. The investigators identified numerous unlicensed movers advertising online and hired them for a “move.” Over the course of the two-day operation, which began on October 15, 2025, movers hired by the investigators appeared at the Hamilton location expecting to find a storage facility full of items to transport and were instead met by a team of Division investigators seeking verification of licensure. Also awaiting the movers were members of the New Jersey State Police (“NJSP”) Mobile Safe Freight Unit, who conducted motor vehicle safety inspections on their trucks.

The moving companies cited are:

Unlicensed movers have been known to hold truckloads of property hostage for months until customers agree to pay exorbitant price increases—or worse, disappear with the property altogether. Finding these rogue operators once they disappear is extremely difficult when consumers cannot be sure who they are or where they are located. Even if unlicensed movers do not engage in predatory behavior, there is a good chance they are not carrying adequate insurance to cover losses or damages incurred during the move, which could leave consumers responsible for those costs.

To increase public awareness about the importance of hiring licensed movers, the Division has created a new program offering licensed moving companies free bumper stickers that read: Don’t Trust Your Possessions to Unlicensed Movers…Check My License at: MyMoversNJ.gov. The stickers, to be applied to fleet trucks used by licensed movers, are a reminder that checking a company’s licensure is an important step in the moving process.

Before hiring a mover, read more important tips available on the Division’s website at

www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/News/Consumer Briefs/public-movers-and-warehousemen.pdf.

Investigators from the Division’s Office of Consumer Protection conducted these investigations. Investigators with the Ocean County Department of Consumer Affairs assisted in Operation Safe House.

Consumers who believe they have been cheated or scammed by a business, or suspect any other form of consumer abuse, can file a complaint with the State Division of Consumer Affairs by visiting its website or by calling 1-800-242-5846 (toll free within New Jersey) or 973-504-6200.