Nine Cited in Sting to Catch Unlicensed Contractors

Nine local landscape workers in San Rafael, California, were recently cited in a sting operation for violating state laws and contracting without a license. They were cited after a two-day sting in which investigators posed as homeowners and sought bids for tree trimming and landscaping services.

Officials said unlicensed contractors put residents and neighbors at risk of injury and major financial loss with their low quality, uninsured work.

State law requires a license for any project over $500, and contractors must put their license number in any advertisements, according to the Contractors State License Board. The law also prevents contractors from seeking down payments of more than $1,000 or 10% of the project fee, whichever is less, unless they buy consumer protection bonds.

The agencies involved in the sting operation included the state board, the Marin County District Attorney’s and Sheriff’s offices and the California Department of Insurance.