Fifteen Snared in Sting Targeting Fake Contractors

A law enforcement sting targeting individuals trying to contract for work without a license led to 15 arrests in Moreno Valley, authorities said Monday.

The 15 were among 76 people snared in undercover operations last week to crack down on contractor fraud throughout California, according to the Contractors State License Board.

Some of the arrestees were repeat offenders, bidding on jobs that cost tens of thousands of dollars, officials said. Under California law, all home improvement work valued in excess of $500 requires a state-issued contractor license.

“We can’t stress enough the importance of making sure anyone you hire to work near your home or family has a state license,” said CSLB Registrar Cindi Christenson. “It only takes a few moments to go to the CSLB website and find a lot of information about them.”

According to the CSLB, stings were carried out between Oct. 13 and 15 in Riverside, Los Angeles, San Diego, Fresno, Mendocino, Solano and Sonoma counties. Personnel from the agency’s Statewide Investigative Fraud Team conducted the operations.

The total value of the bids submitted by the fraudsters was $360,000, officials said.

The suspects were caught advertising contractor services via Angie’s List and Craigslist, as well as in the Yellow Pages, in local newspapers, Smart Saver, store bulletins, on business cards dropped at residences and in panel ads on the sides of vehicles.

Christenson said it’s necessary for consumers to pay heed to vital details like whether individuals advertising for work include their CSLB contractor license number.

“This warning is especially important because many consumers are starting to hire contractors to make preparations for expected heavy rains this winter from an El Nino weather pattern,” she said.

In the Riverside County operation, one suspect was arrested after authorities discovered he had an outstanding $75,000 warrant for his arrest in a perjury case. Two other men had been nabbed in prior stings.

Most of those arrested were cited and released with a promise to appear for arraignment within the next 60 days.

According to the CSLB, the suspects are facing various allegations, including misdemeanor contracting without a license, illegal advertising and working as an unregistered salesperson.

If convicted, they’ll face penalties that include probation, six months in jail and fines ranging from $700 to $5,000.

--City News Service, photo via Shutterstock