State sting operation busts 11 contractors making bids without a license in Sacramento County

Vincent Medina
·2 min read

An undercover sting operation in Elk Grove found 11 unlicensed contractors placing bids as high as $17,500, according to the Contractors State License Board.

The licensing board’s statewide investigative fraud team, known as SWIFT, conducted the operation targeting unlicensed contractors in Sacramento County between July 15 and 17.

The eleven contractors were caught making bids between $2,100 and $17,500, exceeding the $500 threshold that requires a contractor’s license in California. The projects included home improvement, replacement of home sliding and concrete work.

“In California, contracting without a license provides for administrative fines up to $15,000 and can be charged as a misdemeanor with sentences of up to six months in jail and a $5,000 criminal fine,” the licensing board said in a news release. “A second offense results in a mandatory 90-day jail sentence and a fine of 20 percent of the contract price or $5,000 — whichever is greater.”

The eleven, who were not identified, could face additional charges for placing illegal advertisements for construction services without having the required license, officials said.

Licensed contractors in California are required to include their license number on all advertising and where their logo is shown including business cards, invoices and vehicles. Unlicensed contractors’ advertisements must state their lack of licensure, and the value of their work cannot exceed $500.

”CSLB is dedicated to protecting homeowners from the risks posed by unlicensed contractors,” said David Fogt, the licensing board’s registrar. “We continually educate consumers on the importance of hiring licensed contractors and urge homeowners to verify a contractor’s license before starting any construction project in California.”

CSLB conducted a similar operation in May, where six unlicensed contractors were caught in South Lake Tahoe making bids on projects ranging from $1,200 to more than $26,000.