14 Unlicensed Contractors Cited In Contra Costa County Sting

During an undercover sting operation in Bay Point last week, a state licensing board cited 14 unlicensed contractors, some of whom were repeat offenders or trying to charge exorbitant down payments, according to the board.

Investigators in the Contractors State License Board’s investigative fraud team posed as home owners at a single-family home near Ambrose Recreation and Park District on May 27 and 28, according to officials with the CSLB.

They invited individuals suspected of unlicensed contracting to bid for jobs, including painting, fence repair, landscaping and concrete, and officials said they received bids ranging from $750 for fence repair to $10,000 for a backyard concrete pad.

• Some helpful tips on how to know whether your contractor is licensed can be found here: Local Officials Emphasize: Use LICENSED Contractors Only!

Anyone who solicits a contractor for jobs over $500 in combined labor and material costs are required to use licensed contractors, CSLB Registrar Cindi Christenson said in a statement. During the investigation, CSLB’s fraud team caught three repeat offenders, including Dublin contractor Ben Pham who told investigators he tried to get a license but couldn’t pass the exam.

“One of the goals of these operations is to encourage those who are caught for illegal contracting to apply and become licensed to work as a legitimate contractor,” Christenson said, adding the exams can be re-taken if not passed on the first try.

Investigators also cited three contractors for charging excessive down payments, which cannot be more than $1,000 or 10 percent of the total project cost, whichever is less.

First-time offenders could receive penalties for contracting without a license that include fines or even up to six months of jail time, according to CSLB officials.

CSLB officials encourage consumers to check a contractor’s license before hiring one by visiting the CSLB’s website at www.cslb.ca.gov or by calling toll-free at (800) 321-CSLB (2752).

Eight of the contractors were from Pittsburg, Antioch, Concord, or Bay Point. The others hailed from across the Bay Area, including Vallejo, Union City and Oakland.

A full list of the contractors cited in the operation can be found at http://www.cslb.ca.gov/Media_Room/Press_Releases/2015/June_1.aspx.

--Bay City News/Shutterstock image

Also on Patch:

• Are You Hooked On Phonics, Parents? You Should Be
• Missouri Dad Socks Away $25 A Month Since Daughter Was Born For This Trip To BottleRock Napa Valley
• Armed Stick-Up At Subway In Martinez (VIDEOS)
• It’s ‘The Summer of Cats’ At Lindsay Wildlife!
• Nearby Police Bombarded With Calls From People Fearing Space-Based Weapons
• Search For Burglary Suspect Locks Down Martinez School
• Concord Pavilion Announces New Show: ‘KBLX Hot Summer Nights’ With LL Cool J, Salt-n-Pepa
• Heading For Divorce In Contra Costa County? Do-It-Yourself Resources Available
• Ellen Pao Appealing Case Against Kleiner, Perkins
• $100K Waiting For Mystery Woman Who Left Rare Computer At Silicon Valley Recycler