Six people face charges following an undercover operation against alleged unlicensed contractors in South Lake Tahoe, according to the Contractors State License Board, which conducted the operation through its statewide investigative fraud team in conjunction with the Nevada State Contractors Board.
The six contractors were caught on May 29 and 30 submitting bids for projects ranging from $1,200 to more than $26,000. Any project bidding more than $500 will require a license, government officials said in announcing the action by their SWIFT researchers. The projects include home improvement, interior and exterior painting and renovation.
“Six individuals will be referred to the El Dorado County District Attorney’s Office for charges related to unlicensed contracts,” the licensing board said in a news release. “The misdemeanor charge carries a possible prison sentence of up to six months and the possibility of a criminal fine of $5,000 or up to $15,000 in civil penalties.
“A second violation will result in a mandatory 90-day jail sentence and a fine of 20 percent of the contract price or $5,000 – whichever is greater.”
The six, who were not identified, could face additional charges, officials said.
Advertising construction services without obtaining a license in the classification being promoted is also a crime, officials said.
Natalie Watmore, a spokesperson for the licensing board, said California-licensed contractors must display their license number on any advertisement or where their logo is displayed — on everything from business cards to invoices to vehicles.
“Our goals are to protect consumers from fraudulent contractors and to create a level playing field for licensed contractors who follow the law,” said Registrar of Contractors David Fogt, who oversees the licensing process throughout California. “We continually educate consumers on the importance of hiring licensed contractors and strongly urge homeowners to take the time to verify a contractor’s license before moving forward with any construction project in California.”
Watmore said the licensing board recommends consumers pursue at least three bids from licensed contractors, which they can find on the board’s website.
