No rest for our CSLEA members who are investigators with the Contractors State License Board (CSLB).  As part of CSLB's Statewide Investigative Fraud Team (SWIFT) they have gone undercover in both Northern and Southern California.

Their latest set-ups netted eight offenders in Glendale and seven in San Jose.  The investigators act as home or business owners looking to have construction or repair work done.  When unlicensed contractors show up and submit a bid of $500 or more, their quickly issued a notice to appear in court.

"These investigators are truly looking out for the best interest of consumers in their work," said CSLEA President Alan Barcelona.  "A homeowner can run into all kinds of unexpected trouble and expenses by hiring an unlicensed contractor."

Some of the people investigators cited are repeat offenders, others were found to have warrants out for their arrest.  One man cited had previously been convicted of carrying a loaded gun and spousal abuse.

The CSLB reminds consumers of the potential liability if an unlicensed contractor or his workers get hurt on the job.   Hiring an unlicensed contractor also limits a consumer's recourse if the contractor's work is substandard or never completed.