When investigators with the Contractors State License Board(CSLB)  and the California  Department of Insurance (CDI)  went undercover and set up shop in a commercial building in Merced, they found just what they were looking for, people working illegally as contractors.   It is a weekly operation throughout the state of California and each week they bust fake contractors who put consumers at risk.

The undercover operation in Merced on May 22, 2013 rooted out 12 people suspected of contracting without a license.  Seven of those were also cited for illegal advertising and seven were cited for workers' compensation insurance violations.

"This is a team effort by our California Statewide Law Enforcement Association (CSLEA) members to protect consumers," said CSLEA President Alan Barcelona.  "So much of what they do goes unnoticed by Californians, but these investigators are working to stop crimes against consumers, before they happen."

During the undercover operation, CSLB investigators posed as property owners and  contacted those with ads on the internet for tile, drywall and painting work.  Investigators report, several of the bids for proposed projects were excessive. 

CSLB reminds consumers to check CSLB's website for a list of licensed contractors.