California CSLB Sting Nabs Contractor Suspected Of Swiping $100K+ From Elderly Homeowner

The California Contractors State License Board announced last month:

• A man suspected of taking more than $100,000 from an elderly victim was among those nabbed by the Contractors State License Board (CSLB) in a sting operation that was conducted in cooperation with the Redondo Beach Police Department and District Attorney’s office [last month].

• Members of CSLB’s Statewide Investigative Fraud Team (SWIFT)(1) posed as homeowners during the two-day operation on June 25 and June 26, 2008. The SWIFT team invited more than 50 suspects to the sting house, who bid on projects that included masonry, painting, concrete and rain gutters. When suspects offered bids over $500, they were cited.

• California law requires a state contractor’s license for home improvement jobs that are valued at $500 or more in material and labor. Thirty-two (32) of the suspects were given a notice to appear for illegal contracting and/or illegal advertising.

• Investigators gather their leads from illegal advertisements, consumer complaints, and tips from licensed, legitimate contractors.

For more, see Dozens of Illegal Operators Caught in Redondo Beach Sting by Contractors State License Board (Elder Abuse suspect among those arrested in joint operation with Redondo Beach Police).

For more from the California CSLB:

• Go here to report unlicensed contractor activity in California,
• Go here for links to reports of other sting operations and other activities conducted by the CSLB.

(1) According to their website, the CSLB's Statewide Investigative Fraud Team (SWIFT) works to eliminate unlicensed contractors working in California. Undercover sting and sweep operations are conducted weekly around the state.