CSLB Warns to Prevent Scams People Should Hire Only State-Licensed Contractors

“The California State Licensing Board (CSLB) says to help prevent scams, people should hire only state-licensed contractors on projects of $500 or more for labor and material.” 

More news continues to flood marketplace surrounding arrest, fines, and unlawful activity surrounding contracting without a license. Just today News 10 ABC’s Michelle Ponto reported the following:   AUBURN, CA — A Roseville contractor was arrested after ripping off an 87-year-old Auburn woman. 

According to the Placer County district attorney, 30-year-old Leron Anthony Stephenson from Roseville bilked the elderly woman out of $13,500 for a tree removal project on her property. Stephenson cashed six checks, including four blank checks given by the victim.

Stephenson was given a one-year jail sentence and must pay back the $13,500 to the family of his victim.  The elderly woman died before the defendant changed his plea to guilty in April, said prosecutor Jim Deslaurier.

Stephenson, who pleaded to theft charges and contracting without a license, was also placed on five years probation and was given a suspended prison sentence of five years and four months when sentenced May 26 in Placer County Superior Court.

The California State Licensing Board (CSLB) says to help prevent these kinds of scams, people should hire only state-licensed contractors on projects of $500 or more for labor and material.

A contractor’s license number can be checked online at www.cslb.ca.gov or by calling (800) 321-2752.

More tips include:

— Get at least three bids and three references for past work from each bidder.

— Make sure all project expectations are in writing.

— Only sign the contract if you completely understand all terms. 

— Do not pay more than 10 percent down or $1,000, whichever is less.

— Do not pay in cash and do not let payments get ahead of the work.

By Michelle Ponto, News10 http://www.news10.net/news/story.aspx?storyid=90343&catid=2

To understand more on who needs a contractor’s license visit  http://makemeacontractor.com/California-contractors-license-cslb.cfm

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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.