ATLANTIC CITY (CBS) - New Jersey officials are warning consumers, including victims of Sandy, to be on the lookout for home improvement and charity scams.

“Our immediate priority today is our work at the state and local levels to ensure the safety of New Jerseyans in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy,” Governor Christie said.

“However, we know from past experience that fly-by-night contractors who are incompetent, dishonest, or both, will descend upon the storm-affected areas in the coming days and weeks, seeking to capitalize on those whose homes have been damaged or destroyed. Consumers must be extremely wary and do their due diligence before they hire anyone, sign any contract, or pay any money for home repair,” said Christie.

The Division of Consumer affairs offers tips for consumers on “How to Avoid Disaster-Related Scams” in English at http://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/disaster/floodtipsflyer_1.pdf
and Spanish at http://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/disaster/floodtipsflyerSP_1.pdf