Beware of People Posing as Licensed Contractors Seeking Jobs and More

Beware of People Posing as Licensed Contractors Seeking Jobs and More

Recently in the Inland Emipre in CA, the State Contractors Licensing Board targeted people who were contacting  many homeowners after the fires last summer. One agent posed as a homowner and asked applicants to submit bids. Anyone who takes a job over $500 must have a contractors license in the state of CA.

This was a joint effort of the CSLB all over the state and over 75 were arrested for warrants. "Homeowners should be nervous when they hear the background of some of the people we caught in these stings," CSLB Registrar Steve Sands said. "Unlicensed, illegal activity that puts homeowners at risk and legitimate contractors at a competitive disadvantage will not be tolerated."

Many of the 75 arrestees were on probation and parole for various offenses including burglary, assault and sex crimes. Possibly they were not really interested in doing construction but just wanted to get inside the homeowner's home.

Things to Remember when hiring a contractor:

1. Get 3 bids and remember the cheapest is not always the best.

2. Check their name on the state web site or call if you are not internet savvy.

3. Any job over $500, requires a licensed contractor.

4. It is against the law to advertise as a licensed contractor if they are not.

5. Sometimes it is good to get a referral from a neighbor, friend or relative.

6. Never pay more than 10% of the job upfront.

7. Sometimes you can pay directly for the supplies at the Home Improvment stores and make sure they are delivering to your job site.

8. If you are a victim or suspect someone of attempting to pass themselves off, contact the CSLB immediately. You can contact your local police jurisdiction as many will take reports.

9. Unfortunately this is just a misdomeanor so if they are convicted, they will only get up to 6 months in jail and $5,000 in fines. Homeowners must be the eyes and ears for the CA Contractors State License Board.

Many states vary their charges and penalties but all states have regulations and work hard to stop this fraud. Be sure to report it if you are a victim of a crime or know someone who was.

Thanks for Reading my Blog

California is a dream-come-true state no matter what your needs or wants are. We have year round warm weather, beautiful beaches, rustic mountains and desert communities. If you are looking for a home in Southern California, please contact me. I am a local California Realtor, live in the Inland Empire community and am aware of the local market. I am here to help you find a home or to sell the home you currently own. California has great opportunities to view Nature and Bird Watching. Whatever your needs are, you will find it here in California! From the Inland Empire you are 45 minutes to the beaches, mountains or desert. Housing is affordable in the Inland Empire area!

Kristin Hamilton DRE #01492138 Keller Williams Realty – I am a full time agent and deal in all types of real estate transactions. Trusts, Probate, Short Sales, Standard Listing, Single Family Homes, Apartments 1-4 units, Duplexes and Condos. I am also an experienced REO agent. I sell real estate in the Riverside, San Bernardino, Orange, and Los Angeles Counties. I am a trained and experienced Short Sale agent. If you are looking for a professional and experienced agent, I am just a click away. Google me at Kristin Hamilton-Real Estate Agent. Homeowners and Buyers both will find my services top notch and successful. Call me to sell your home; both traditional and short sales.

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