t***h
发帖数: 5601 | 1 【 以下文字转载自 SanFrancisco 讨论区 】
发信人: dean (aa), 信区: SanFrancisco
标 题: 城管钓鱼，老中装修没执照的全逮了。
发信站: BBS 未名空间站 (Tue Oct 23 18:16:05 2012, 美东)
联合城用一个房子吊了十四个。尼玛，以后只有在买卖提用中文了。
Statewide sting targets unlicensed contractors, including a dozen in the Bay
Area
By Natalie Neysa Alund, Bay Area News Group
Posted: 10/19/2012 03:21:32 PM PDT
Updated: 10/22/2012 06:41:38 AM PDT
Related
Oct 19:
14 Bay Area residents arrested in Union City on suspicion of contracting
without a license
Tips from the Contractors State License Board to avoid unlicensed contractor
scams
UNION CITY -- Nearly 100 people, including about a dozen Bay Area residents,
face potential criminal charges after being arrested during a statewide
undercover sting targeting unlicensed contractors.
Fraud investigators from the Contractors State License Board conducted
stings on Wednesday and Thursday in Alameda, Los Angeles, Monterey, Placer,
San Diego, San Luis Obispo and Sonoma counties. Investigators posed as
homeowners seeking bids for home improvements including painting, tree
trimming, gutter installation and water heater replacement.
A total of 92 people, including 14 who bid on work at a rental home in Union
City, were arrested on suspicion of contracting without a license, board
spokesman Rick Lopes said Friday.
"Their goal is to fly under the radar, to pay workers in cash under the
table and to not pay taxes," Lopes said while standing outside the home in
the 3100 block of Chimney Court used to bust the bad contractors.
Investigators contacted the suspects after finding them online at websites
including Craigslist, in fliers left on homeowner's doors or by word-of-
mouth from legitimately licensed contractors who knew their competitors were
not licensed.
Loren Reed, with the California Department of Consumer Affairs, said
investigators put out bids at the Union City home for outdoor repairs
including landscaping and fencing. Inside the home, they asked suspects to
bid on items including plumbing, carpeting and
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heating.
When the suspects arrived at the home to bid on the repairs, investigators
asked for proof of a contracting license. When they could not provide one,
the suspects were arrested, Lopes said.
In one instance, Lopes said, one suspect presented a fake, plastic license
ID card to an investigator. The investigator knew better and the suspect was
arrested.
Under California law, any job estimated at more than $500 must be performed
by someone with a state license. State law also requires contractors to
place their license number in print, broadcast and online advertisements.
Those without a license can advertise to perform jobs valued at less than $
500, but the ad must state that they are not licensed.
State authorities said the stings also were aimed at catching a number of
suspects on a "most wanted" list of known violators. Warrants have been
issued for the arrest of people who appear on the list, who Lopes said are
unlicensed violators known to prey on unsuspecting homeowners. The list is
available to the public at http://www.cslb.ca.gov/generalinformation/newsroom/mostwanted/.
Included on the list is Khalid Muhammed of Oakland, who is wanted on charges
including fraudulent use of a contractor's license, grand theft and
soliciting excessive down payments.
Lopes called Muhammed a serial offender known for scamming homeowners
throughout the Bay Area. He has more than $200,000 in arrest warrants lodged
on him and sometimes uses the business name First Impressions Painting and
Decorating, but officials have been unable to locate him.
State authorities recommend homeowners hire only licensed contractors and
ask for references.
In most instances where homeowners are misled, the unlicensed contractors
don't complete the job or sidestep the job and perform poorly, Lopes said.
"It's not just as simple as hiring someone who will do the cheapest job,"
Lopes said. "You never know what kind of work you're going to get."
Another tip: Make sure any contractors have proof of workers' compensation
insurance.
"If someone (a worker) falls through your roof they could come after you for
potential medical bills," Lopes said.
In the end, homeowners may have to pay twice for the job if they have to
rehire someone to come in and complete it or make repairs, he said.
Contact Natalie Neysa Alund at 510-293-2469. Follow her at Twitter.com/
nataliealund. |
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