“Home improvement projects and finding the right contractor can be a daunting task for homeowners. Hiring an unlicensed contractor can bring additional headaches and financial risk, which is why CSLB conducts these operations. In addition to identifying suspected unlicensed contractors, these stings assist in educating the public about the dangers of hiring a contractor who does not have a CSLB license.”
CSLEA President Alan Barcelona
CLOVIS – On November 8, 2023, the Contractors State License Board (CSLB) announced the results of an undercover sting it conducted in late October in Clovis targeting unlicensed contractors in Fresno County. The Clovis Police Department and the Fresno County District Attorney’s Office assisted with the operation.
CSLB’s Statewide Investigative Fraud Team (SWIFT) tracked down alleged unlicensed contractors and invited them to propose bids for various home construction projects at a prearranged location.
During the operation, the Clovis Police Department arrested one suspected unlicensed contractor who had six warrants from Fresno and Madera counties for a number of violations, including three CSLB-related cases. His vehicle was also impounded for 30 days.
The operation resulted in eight people given Notices to Appear in criminal court on charges related to unlicensed contracting.
The suspected unlicensed contractors apprehended during the operation could potentially face additional charges for advertising construction services without the required license. According to California law, it’s illegal for any individual to advertise for construction or home improvement work without possessing a valid license in the advertised construction trade. If unlicensed individuals advertise for construction contracting services, they must clearly express they are unlicensed and cannot bid or contract for work valued at over $500, including labor and materials.
State law restricts down payments to either 10% of the total project cost or $1,000, whichever amount is less. Subsequent progress payments cannot exceed the value of the work completed. Non-compliance with these guidelines is an administrative violation and a criminal misdemeanor, carrying potential penalties including a year in county jail, a $5,000 fine, or both.
