The Los Angeles Post

CSLB Cites Over a Dozen for Illegal Contracting in Santa Clara County

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Sacramento, CA – The Contractors State License Board (CSLB) collaborated with the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office on July 9-10 to conduct an undercover sting operation targeting unlicensed contractors. Investigators from CSLB’s Statewide Investigative Fraud Team (SWIFT) issued Notices to Appear in criminal court to 14 individuals, one with a prior grand theft conviction and another with an arrest warrant for failure to appear in court.

During the operation held in Campbell, law enforcement cited individuals for submitting bids for construction projects that exceeded the legal limit of $500. The bid amounts ranged from $1,400 to $25,000 for jobs including interior painting, bathroom remodeling, driveway replacement, and artificial turf installation. Engaging in contracting work without a valid license is a misdemeanor offense in California, carrying substantial penalties including jail time. In addition, administrative fines up to $15,000 can be assessed.

One of the individuals failed to appear in court for a previous misdemeanor citation for contracting illegally. This person could face a second conviction penalty for illegal contracting resulting in higher fines and confinement of up to 90 days in county jail.

Twelve individuals may face additional charges for advertising construction services without possessing the necessary license. Unlicensed individuals’ advertisements for contracting services must explicitly state their lack of licensure and the value of work performed (materials and labor) may not exceed $500.

“All licensed contractors are required by law to submit a full set of fingerprints for a criminal background check before their license is issued,” said CSLB Registrar David Fogt. “Part of CSLB’s consumer protection mission is to educate homeowners by providing them our free online tools for finding a licensed contractor so they can safeguard themselves from any potential issues that can arise.”

During the operation, it was discovered that six of the individuals demanded excessive down payments before beginning work. Under California law, contractors can request no more than 10 percent of the project cost or $1,000, whichever is less. Violating this provision is a misdemeanor offense, punishable by fines of up to $5,000, a one-year county jail sentence, or both.

For more information, visit CSLB’s website, or connect with us on Facebook, X/Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.