CSLB Takes the Cake for Sting Targeting Illegal Operators + Ten Reasons to get your License


CSLB Web Release www.CSLB.ca.gov shares the latest news regarding the legal necessity for Contractors to operate with a California Contractors License. Here at Contractors State License Services our mantra is to share the news and events that effect our prospective students and students. Just this month alone we continue to see more and more news of targets on illegal operators. In this case the CSLB stings another ten for violating California contracting laws. These news bites further illustrate the need for a valid Contractors License.

CSLB Takes the Cake for Sting Targeting Illegal Operators
Ten headed to court for violations of California contracting laws

SACRAMENTO – Members of the Contractors State License Board (CSLB)’s Statewide Investigative Fraud Team (SWIFT) received a torte and a hearty thank you from a licensed contractor for a sting operation conducted in Monterey last week. One of the ten arrested suspects said he worked for the grateful licensee, which was not the case. The sting operation, on September 30, 2010, was conducted with assistance from the Monterey Police Department and Monterey County District Attorney’s Office.

During the operation, SWIFT investigators posed as homeowners who were looking for a contractor to do fencing work on their home. Those who bid more than $500 were arrested and issued an issued a Notice to Appear (NTA) in court for contracting without a license. California law requires all home improvement jobs valued at greater than $500 for labor and materials be undertaken by a state-licensed contractor. Those without licenses may advertise their services and work on jobs valued at less than $500, but their ads must state that they are not licensed. Licensees are required to put their license number in all ads. Some of those who will be going to court will also face charges of soliciting an excessive down payment. State law prohibits asking for down payments greater than $1,000 or ten percent of the contract price, whichever is less. There is an exception for about two dozen contractors who purchase special consumer protection bonds that are noted on CSLB’s website.

“Many consumers don’t realize the risks they take when they let an unlicensed operator into their home,” said CSLB Registrar Steve Sands. “Those who are violating the state’s license laws are also not complying with important consumer protection requirements, such as purchasing workers’ compensation coverage for their employees.”
State law requires licensed contractors to carry workers’ compensation coverage for all employees. That ensures the homeowner isn’t stuck with medical bills if a worker is injured on their property.

Top ten reasons we hear for getting a Contractors License:
1. To legally operate in California
2. To protect yourself
3. To gain respect from your colleagues and prospective customers
4. To be competitive
5. To be self employed
6. To gain prestige as a professional and avoid the negative connotation that follow unlicensed contractors
7. To enter into larger contracts & advertise without being worried
8. To avoid being arrested and fined by the State
9. To network with other licensed contractors for more business
10. To be able to legally collect for work performed

View A CSLB Sting Operation Video here!
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Contractors-State-License-Services/137797582916767?v=wall

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About CSLS

Contractors State License Service (CSLS) is the largest school in California devoted to the Construction professional. For over 23 years, CSLS has helped its students pass the exam to become licensed contractors in the State of California, licensing more students than any other school. From our main offices in Southern California, CSLS operates over 25 locations with full-service support and classrooms. We have grown to this extent by providing quality, professional services. In comparison, this provides 7 times the number of convenient locations than the second largest contractor school. Contractors State License Services is one of the only contractor schools in the state that is run by educators, not lawyers or people mostly interested in the bonding and insurance business. Contractors State License Services formerly operated under the oversight of the State of California's Bureau for Private Post Secondary and Vocational Education. As of January 1 2010, the new Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE) came into existence replacing the BPPVE. CSLS now operates under the provisions of the California Private Postsecondary Education Act of 2009 (CPPEA), Article 4 Section 94874(f). Our Mission is simple; We can help you pass your California Contractors License Exam. Celebrating our 25th year, CSLS has helped over 120,000 students pass the California contractor licensing exam to become licensed contractors in the State of California. Additionally, we offer complete home study and online contractor’s license programs to help you pass your California contractors license exam. CSLS offers licensing classes for all types of contractor licenses, including General Engineering Contractor, General Building Contractor, Specialty Contractor, Insulation and Acoustical Contractor, Framing and Rough Carpentry Contractor, Cabinet, Millwork and Finish Carpentry Contractor, Concrete Contractor, Drywall Contractor, Electrical Contractor, Elevator Contractor, Landscaping Contractor, Warm-Air Heating, Ventilating and Air-Conditioning Contractor, and many others. For a complete list of contractor licenses, visit www.MakeMeAContractor.com and tuned for more informative posts.