Officials from the state Department of Consumer Protection are issuing a warning about a man they said is posing as a contractor but is not licensed or registered to do the work.
The Department of Consumer Protection said they have received 14 complaints about 54-year-old Michael D. Ranno Jr. since 2014 and nine of those have been since this September. He uses multiple addresses, including in Cheshire and Meriden, according to the Department of Consumer Protection.
The department has an open investigation into allegations that he has taken deposits from several businesses throughout Connecticut, performed little or no work and failed to take out permits or started work without a permit.
State officials said Ranno does not hold any occupational or trade licenses, such as plumbing, and is not registered as a home improvement contractor.
They said they have received complaints about him from other states as well.
“Be sure to check that any contractor you are considering hiring is properly licensed or registered,” Michelle H. Seagull, commissioner of the Department of Consumer Protection, said in a statement. “Always ask if the contractor will be doing the work themselves or using sub-contractors, and if they are, who those subcontractors are. Always ask about building permits, and make sure your contract matches payments with the progress of the job.”
Anyone who knows where he is, whether he is in Connecticut or out of state, or has additional information about his current business dealings is asked to e-mail dcp.occupationalenforcement@ct.gov.
U.S. & World
State officials are also asking anyone who knows where he is to contact the police in that town to notify them that there is an open warrant for allegations of larceny and performing plumbing work without a license.
Consumers or businesses that have a contract with Ranno that has not been fulfilled or for which he did work that requires a license or registration are asked to file a complaint to dcp.complaints@ct.gov with our complaint form, any contracts, proof of payment and details about the work.
