DA cites 12 unlicensed contractors in undercover sting operation

Twelve individuals in Bakersfield, California were cited for submitting bids for home improvement projects without a valid state contractor’s license. They may face additional charges for advertising construction services without a license. The citations were issued as part of an undercover operation conducted on March 20 and 21. District Attorney Cynthia Zimmer emphasized the importance of enforcing contractor licenses to protect consumers from unethical business practices, subpar work, and unfair competition in the industry.

Under California law, it is illegal to bid or contract for construction work exceeding $500 without a contractor’s license. Additionally, advertising construction or home improvement work without a license in the advertise classification is also prohibited. Consumers are urged to verify a contractor’s license status before hiring them for any project. The Contractors State License Board can be contacted at 1-800-321-2752 to report suspected unlicensed contractor activities. These measures are put in place to ensure the safety and well-being of consumers, maintain fair competition in the industry, and hold accountable those who attempt to circumvent the system.

Enforcement of contractor licenses is crucial to protecting consumers from the troubles associated with hiring unlicensed contractors. Unethical business practices, subpar work, and the need for costly repairs are common issues that consumers face when dealing with unlicensed contractors. By cracking down on unlicensed contractor activities, the District Attorney’s Office aims to keep consumers safe, maintain fairness in the industry, and deter individuals from taking advantage of the system for personal gain. Ensuring that contractors are properly licensed helps to prevent these issues and holds contractors accountable for their actions.

The undercover operation conducted by the District Attorney’s Office resulted in citations for twelve individuals who were found to be submitting bids without a valid contractor’s license. These individuals may face additional charges for advertising construction services without the proper licensure. By targeting unlicensed contractor activities, law enforcement is taking proactive steps to protect consumers and uphold the integrity of the construction industry. This type of enforcement helps to deter individuals from engaging in illegal practices and promotes a level playing field for licensed contractors.

Consumers are encouraged to be vigilant when hiring contractors for home improvement projects and to verify their license status before entering into any agreements. The Contractors State License Board offers resources for checking a contractor’s license status and reporting suspected unlicensed contractor activities. By raising awareness of the importance of hiring licensed contractors and enforcing licensing laws, the District Attorney’s Office aims to safeguard consumers, promote fair competition in the industry, and hold accountable those who attempt to operate outside the bounds of the law.