SAN DIEGO – California Contractors State License Board (CSLB) investigators conducted an undercover sting in San Diego County during the third week in March and cited 17 people suspected of contracting without a license.

“Licensed contractors have taken the steps necessary to be approved by the State of California,” said California Statewide Law Enforcement Association (CSLEA) President Alan Barcelona. “Unlicensed contractors pose a risk for homeowners who hire them.  They often don’t have the necessary skills or insurance should something happen on the job.”

The investigators posed as homeowners at a house in Santee and sought bids from suspected unlicensed operators they found from online ads, business cards, and logos on sides of trucks.  Suspects placed bids on concrete, flooring, painting, fence, patio cover and stucco work.  Bids ranged from $1,000 to $8,040, all estimates that far exceeded the legal limit of $500 for labor and materials combined when contracting without a state-issued license.

Those cited face up to six months in jail and/or up to $5,000 in fines for a first conviction.

The San Diego Sheriff’s Department and the California Department of Consumer Affairs Division of Investigation also assisted in the sting.