The DA’s office assisted the Contractors State License Board and the Menifee Police Department in the sting that was conducted Sept. 24-25.

According to the DA, undercover officers contacted unlicensed contractors and asked them to submit bids for various construction projects.

“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,” according to the DA. “Under
California law, it is illegal for unlicensed contractors to bid or work on projects costing more than $500, including labor and materials.”

In addition to the 12 people who were served with notices to appear in criminal court, three other people were referred to the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office for similar violations.

Identities were not released.

In California, contractor licensing costs applicants hundreds of dollars. This is on top of costs for contractor’s insurance.

If convicted, those who were snared face penalties of up to $15,000, jail sentences of up to six months, and fines of up to $5,000. Repeat offenders face a mandatory 90-day jail sentence and a fine of $5,000 or 20 percent of the contract price, according to the DA.

In addition to allegedly working without a license, six people caught in the sting requested down payments from the undercover agents that were above the legal limit, according to the DA.

“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,” the DA’s office said.

Home and property owners who use unlicensed contractors face risks. Unlicensed contractors likely don’t have the necessary insurance to cover any potential damage they do, meaning owners could be left to pay for repairs.

For further information or to report suspected unlicensed contractor activities, visit the CSLB website at www.cslb.ca.gov or contact CSLB at 800-321-CSLB (2752).

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