The Los Angeles Post

Sting Operation Busts 15 Unlicensed Contractors in Monterey County

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Sacramento, CA – The Contractors State License Board (CSLB) recently teamed up with the Monterey County District Attorney’s Office and the California Department of Insurance for an undercover sting operation targeting unlicensed contractors.

In late July, the sting operation in Seaside resulted in 15 people getting Notices to Appear in criminal court for allegedly contracting without a proper license, including one person who had been caught during a June 2022 sting. All bids received exceed California’s $500 threshold that requires a contractor’s license. The highest bid received was $10,500 for a fencing project,

The individual who requested the $10,500 for fencing had also requested an excessive down payment of $3,500. He was among three who requested excessive down payments. 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.

Additionally, one person could face a felony charge for advertising under a deceased relative’s license.

Contracting without a license can result in administrative fines up to $15,000 and may lead to misdemeanor charges carrying penalties of up to six months in jail and a criminal fine of $5,000.

These individuals may also face additional charges for illegal advertisements. California law requires unlicensed contractors to state their unlicensed status and prohibits them from bidding on jobs over $500, including labor and materials.

One individual was issued a Stop Order for not providing workers’ compensation insurance to employees, risking misdemeanor charges and penalties, including up to 60 days in jail and/or $10,000 in fines.

“It’s important to hire licensed contractors for home improvement projects,” said David Fogt, CSLB Registrar. “That’s why CSLB educates consumers on how to protect themselves by hiring a licensed contractor – it takes just a few minutes to find a licensed contractor in California.”

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