“Finding and hiring a contractor can be a huge and sometimes scary undertaking and that’s why it is important to look for licensed contractors who have passed state tests and background checks.  State investigators search for unlicensed contractors operating in the state to protect unsuspecting consumers and licensed contractors who carry the necessary insurance to keep you and their workers from financial harm.” – CSLEA  President Alan Barcelona

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY -On September 21-22, 2021, the California Contractors State License Board, along with the California Department of Insurance and the Santa Cruz County District Attorney’s Office conducted an undercover sting targeting unlicensed contractors.    

CSLB’s Statewide Investigative Fraud Team (SWIFT) members posed as residential homeowners and contacted suspected unlicensed contractors through their advertisements to perform concrete, decking, landscaping, and tree service work.

Twelve people were issued citations for unlicensed contracting violations. Four of the unlicensed persons were also cited for requiring excessive down payments. One contractor demanded $15,000 more than the $1,000 allowed for a down payment, and placed a bid of $32,000 for deck work which was double the amount of other bids.

A CSLB-issued license is required for any construction job totaling $500 or more in labor and materials. Licensed contractors have met experience and testing requirements, carry a license bond, passed a criminal background check and carry workers’ compensation insurance for employees.