• Be especially hesitant when approached by someone offering home improvement services door-to-door, especially when they claim that they will use materials left over from another job;• Verify the contractor’s license by checking online at www.cslb.ca.gov, or via CSLB’s automated phone service at 1-800-321-CSLB (2752);• Get three bids, check references, and get a written contract;• Never pay more than 10 percent down or $1,000, whichever is less, for home improvement contracts;• Don’t pay cash, and don’t let payments get ahead of the work already completed;• Contact the CSLB if you have a complaint against a contractor.Licensed contractors should also be aware that several home repair groups operating in Ventura and Los Angeles counties are trying to get legitimate contractors to serve as “qualifiers” on the groups’ licenses. The legitimate contractors could be responsible for all contracts entered into by the company, even if the legitimate contractor is not involved in the job.The CSLB reports this is happening especially with service, repair and remodeling companies. These companies are attempting to “rent” valid licenses for fraudulent purposes. If a legitimate contractor believes anyone is trying to “rent” their license, they should contact the CSLB.The CSLB investigates more than 20,000 complaints against contractors annually. So far in 2007, the District Attorney’s Office and the CSLB are pursuing over $3 million in restitution on behalf of Ventura County residents that have been harmed by unlicensed contractors.
Sting Operation against illegal contractors
October 10, 2007
Santa Paula News
District Attorney Gregory D. Totten announced that on September 25 and 26, 2007, a combined law enforcement team, composed of investigators from the Ventura County District Attorney’s Bureau of Investigation, the Contractors State License Board (CSLB), and the City of San Buenaventura conducted a “sting” operation against illegal contractors operating in Ventura County.
District Attorney Gregory D. Totten announced that on September 25 and 26, 2007, a combined law enforcement team, composed of investigators from the Ventura County District Attorney’s Bureau of Investigation, the Contractors State License Board (CSLB), and the City of San Buenaventura conducted a “sting” operation against illegal contractors operating in Ventura County. Members of the CSLB’s Statewide Investigative Fraud Team posed as homeowners at a house in Ventura and invited suspected unlicensed contractors to bid on various home improvement projects that included landscaping, fencing, kitchen remodeling, concrete work, roofing and painting.The two-day sting resulted in 28 unlicensed contractors being arrested and ordered to appear in Ventura County Superior Court on charges for contracting without a license, for deceptive advertising violations, and for demanding excessive down payments. Two of the arrested operators were registered sex offenders, and one of those was still on parole from his state prison sentence. Nine additional contractors were cited for CSLB disciplinary action. All of the arrested operators were issued warnings by the city for not having the required city business licenses.First-time convictions for contracting without a license carry a maximum of six months in jail or a $1,000 fine, or both. After court-imposed penalty assessments, the first-time fine could be as much as $3,300. A second violation carries a mandatory 90-day jail sentence and a minimum $4,500 fine. After penalty assessments, the minimum second-time fine would be $14,850.By law, all contractors who perform work that totals $500 or more (including labor and materials) must be licensed by the CSLB. Licensing provides for at least minimum standards of experience, competency and business knowledge for a contractor. In addition, anyone licensed by the CSLB first undergoes a complete background check by the Department of Justice before being given a license.The CSLB conducts sting operations around the state on a regular basis to highlight the dangers to consumers who hire unlicensed workers, and to enforce California laws prohibiting unlicensed contracting. Unlicensed contractors or handymen, advertising for work, need to announce that they are unlicensed on their advertisement.Licensed contractors who perform home improvement contracts may request a down payment of no more than $1,000 or 10 percent of the total value of a home improvement project before starting, whichever is less. Once the project has begun, the legitimate contractor is not allowed to demand payment for more than the work already completed.Before hiring any contractor, homeowners should go online or call CSLB’s automated phone system to verify that the contractor holds a valid license. They can also check out the contractor’s license history, get Contractors’ Bonding, Workers Compensation Insurance, and personnel information. Check it carefully – many unscrupulous contractors will take the license number of a legal contractor, print it on their business cards, and use that to deceive homeowners.Consumers are urged to follow these tips when dealing with a building contractor:• Hire only licensed contractors and ask to see the license and proof of identification;• Don’t rush into decisions and don’t just hire the first contractor who comes along;
