Despite widespread, statewide publicity, the point is still not "hammered home" among some unlicensed contractors.  State investigators  with the Contractor State License Board (CSLB) conduct undercover stings on a weekly basis and are handcuffing people who are bidding on home improvement projects when they do not have a state license to do so.

"Our California Statewide Law Enforcement Association members who make up the Statewide Investigation Fraud Team (SWIFT), along with our investigators from the Department of Consumer Affairs Division of Investigation, work to protect unsuspecting homeowners from going down a dangerous path," said CSLEA President Alan Barcelona.  "When homeowners deal with an unlicensed contractor and something goes wrong, there aren't many steps for recourse."

The investigators most recent sting was in Rancho Cordova on June 6, 2013.  Investigators cited seven people who illegally bid on projects, including three individuals who lost their licenses through expiration or revocation.

Property owners who are considering hiring someone for home improvement projects should consult the CSLB's on-line instant license check to ensure a contractor's license is in good standing before hiring anyone to work in or around your home.

Stay tuned for the next sting,  remember they are conducted on a weekly basis.