California cracks down on unlicensed contractors – over 100 arrests made

State officials announced nearly three dozen arrests throughout Southern California as part of a statewide crackdown of unlicensed contractors.

Authorities arrested 21 contractors in San Juan Capistrano and 14 in Pasadena. Venus Stromberg, a spokeswoman for the California Contractors State License Board, says the swimming pool industry in Orange County helped investigators with the sting.

“They’ve been underbid in many instances by unlicensed people or by people who don’t carry workers compensation insurance for their employees. If a contractor has any employees besides themselves, they have to be covered for workers compensation or the homeowner could potentially be liable if they’re injured on their property while the work’s in progress.”

Stromberg says the sting conducted last week resulted in 111 arrests, and included an unregistered sex offender. The maximum penalty for operating without a license is six months in jail and a $5,000 fine.

You can check the status of your contractor’s license online at the California Contractors State License Board website at http://www.cslb.ca.gov/

Source: Southern California Public Radio

Related posts:

• Federal contractors must use E-Verify starting Sept. 8
• Consumers turn to BBB when choosing Roofing Contractors
• New OSHA Rule Update: Employer Payment for Personal Protective Equipment

1. 

   LGC Roofing says:

   June 13, 2011 at 8:11 pm

   Hiring a contractor without checking their credentials is foolish. And when the project cost sounds too good to be true, it usually is!

   reply