A family in Amityville is blaming a contracting scam for unlivable conditions inside their home.

Debra Harding says she hired Anthony Malatesta, who claimed to be a licensed contractor, to make improvements to her home last year. She says Malatesta tore down her walls and ripped apart plumbing before taking off with nearly $84,000. Consumer Affairs Chief Charles Gardner says Malatesta quit in October and never returned to fix the mess he made.

Now temperatures inside the home are regularly in the 30's. Several good Samaritans are trying to help out the family, but they say they can not do it alone. David Mindel of TriSun Corporation says the family needs the help of electricians and plumbers, as well as new appliances. Anyone who would like to help is asked to call TriSun Corporation at 631-842-8500.