“CSLB investigators work to protect consumers from being ripped off by unlicensed contractors who have not passed tests or undergone background checks. It’s public safety and consumer protection work and we thank them for their service.”

– CSLEA President Alan Barcelona

NOVATO- On May 1, 2024, the Contractors State License Board (CSLB) announced the results of a one-day undercover sting operation it conducted in Novato in mid-April.

CSLB’s Statewide Investigative Fraud Team (SWIFT) and the Marin and Sonoma County District Attorney’s Offices went undercover to catch unlicensed contractors.

A Notice to Appear in criminal court was issued to five individuals at the sting site. Five others were referred to the Marin County District Attorney for misdemeanor prosecution for placing a construction bid after leaving the property or advertising while being unlicensed.

The bids ranged from $1,600 to as much as $15,000 for home improvement projects including tree removal and fence rebuilding – all above the legal $500 threshold for which a contractor’s license is required. In California, contracting without a license is a misdemeanor and punishable by a fine of up to $15,000.

One individual also asked for an excessive down payment ahead of starting the work. Contractors can only ask for a deposit of 10 percent or $1,000, whichever is less. This is a misdemeanor that could result in charges of up to $5,000, up to a one-year county jail sentence, or both.

“Our primary goal in conducting sting operations is to keep consumers safe from illegal contracting scams, which is why we encourage them to always check a license and get at least three bids on any home improvement project,” said David Fogt, CSLB Registrar. “Another reason is to educate people on how to get a contractor’s license. Those who want to learn more about getting licensed should attend one of our virtual licensing workshops offered in both English and Spanish.”