MADERA (KMJ) — A warning to homeowners valley wide – make sure the contractor you pay for is licensed.
It comes after a sting operation organized by the contractor's state license board that took place this week.
Posing undercover as a homeowner who wanted a job done – they set the scene and when they had enough evidence – CHP officers came around the corner.
Sting operations were done state wide – with Madera one of the seven cities taking part.
"In the Madera sting we arrested a total of 13 people for contracting without a license", says Rick Lopes from the Contractors State License Board. "In a couple of months they'll have to go before a judge and face misdemeanor charges".
He adds that it's a blueprint for disaster when you take on unlicensed people. Three of the suspects who gave bids during the operation’s first day had already had issues with the law.
One man was serving a probation term for a drug offense; another had been arrested six times for driving under the influence charges; and a third had prior violations for grand theft auto, possession of a stolen vehicle, and driving under the influence.
"Don't assume that these people are who they say they are. They're very slick sales people".
"They know which buttons to push to try to get you to give them money. I'd also say to homeowners be very careful of anybody who asks you for a lot of money up front."
"In California the law's very specific. They can ask for no more than 10% or a thousand dollars – whichever's less".
But it's all too late for a Clovis man who says he's out $10,000 after he didn't check up on the man he paid to do some landscaping at his home.
