“Undercover operations such as this work to protect consumers and to protect licensed contractors.  Licensed contractors have proven through tests that they have the knowledge of codes and regulations.  They have also undergone a background check.” – CSLEA President Alan Barcelona

BAKERSFIELD – On March 20-21, 2024, the Kern County District Attorney’s Office, the Contractors State License Board (CSLB), and the California Department of Insurance (CDI) conducted an undercover sting operation targeting unlicensed contractors in Kern County.  During the operation, 12 people were cited with a Notice to Appear in court for conducting contracting activities without the required license. In addition, nine stop orders were issued during the operation where contractors failed to provide workers’ compensation insurance for their employees.

Those cited submitted bids ranging from $600 to $6,500 for home improvement projects. The law requires a California contractor’s license to bid or contract for construction work exceeding $500 in value, including materials and labor. In addition, the unlicensed contractors can also face additional charges for advertising their construction services without a license. It is against California law to advertise construction or home improvement work without a valid license in the advertised classification. If unlicensed individuals advertise contracting services, they must explicitly disclose their lack of licensure and cannot bid or contract for work valued at more than $500.

Consumers can check a contractor’s license status by conducting an “Instant License Check” on CSLB’s website. The search results reveal whether the contractor’s license is active and/or in good standing.