DA’S OFFICE ASSISTS IN STING OPERATION TO STOP ILLEGAL CONTRACTING RING AND HOLD VIOLATORS ACCOUNTABLE

RIVERSIDE – A two-day undercover sting targeting unlicensed contractors in Menifee, led to the discovery of 12 people allegedly engaging in illegal contracting activities.

The Riverside County District Attorney’s Office assisted the Contractors State License Board’s Statewide Investigative Fraud Team (SWIFT), and the Menifee Police Department in the sting operation on Sept. 24 and 25.

Unlicensed contractors were asked to submit bids for various construction projects, resulting in 12 individuals being served with notices to appear in criminal court. Additionally, three others were referred to the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office for similar violations. All bids exceeded the legal limit of $500 for unlicensed work, with amounts ranging from $2,300 to $31,590 for landscaping, painting, and masonry projects. Under California law, it is illegal for unlicensed contractors to bid or work on projects costing more than $500, including labor and materials. Penalties for these violations include administrative fines of up to $15,000, jail sentences of up to six months, and fines up to $5,000. Repeat offenders may face a mandatory 90-day jail sentence and a fine of $5,000 or 20 percent of the contract price. Six individuals also requested down payments above the legal limit. Down payments for home improvement projects cannot exceed 10 percent of the project cost or $1,000, whichever is less. Violating this law is a misdemeanor, carrying fines of up to $5,000 and possible jail time.

These cases will be prosecuted by the Consumer Fraud Unit. For further information or to report suspected unlicensed contractor activities, please visit the CSLB website at www.cslb.ca.gov or contact CSLB toll-free at 1-800-321-CSLB (2752).