Unlicensed Contractors Busted in Murrieta

Eleven unlicensed contractors who allegedly offered to do home modifications in Murrieta were busted in a sting operation conducted by the California State License Board, it was announced today.

The undercover operation was conducted Oct. 12-13 by the CSLB's Statewide Investigative Fraud Team (SWIFT). Two days of simultaneous sting operations in eight cities resulted in 113 people being stuck with violations of state home improvement contracting laws.

Along with Murrieta, stings took place in Burbank, Cameron Park, Los Banos, Madera, Orange, Oroville and Union City.

SWIFT was supported by and prosecutors from the Riverside County District Attorney's Office in the Murrieta crackdown.

According to the CSLB, decoys solicited bids from prospective contractors, seeking cost appraisals for various projects, including landscaping, tree-trimming, painting, tiling and cabinetry.

Those who couldn't provide licenses were issued misdemeanor citations.   

The defendants are scheduled to make court appearances in January.

"CSLB and its partners in law enforcement are serious about enforcing our state's consumer protection laws," said CSLB Chief Steve Sands.

"Unlicensed, illegal activity that puts homeowners at risk and puts those who follow state laws at a competitive disadvantage will not be tolerated.''   

Any contracting job valued at more than $500 requires a license.

Unlicensed contractors can perform work that's less than $500, but they must disclose that they're not licensed in ads, according to state law.

The CSLB recommended that before anyone hire a contractor, they follow a few simple steps, such as verifying the person's license via the CSLB's website, Checkthelicensefirst.com; never pay more than 10 percent of the total estimated cost of a job, or $1,000, whichever is less; and obtain at least three bids.

--City News Service