12 cited in NorCal unlicensed contractor sting

(KRON) -- Twelve people are facing charges after they were busted in an unlicensed contractor sting in Yuba City, the Contractors State License Board announced on Wednesday.

The sting was conducted on Oct. 15 and 16. It showed contractors submitting bids for home improvement projects including tree trimming, concrete work, decks and painting.

The bids were all for more than $2,000 and went as high as $8,700, CSLB said. The legal threshold for contracting without a license in California is $500.

Five contractors were also cited for requesting excessive down payments. According to California law, contractors' down payments cannot be higher than $1,000 or 10% of the total cost of a project.

"Contracting without a valid license is a serious offense, carrying significant penalties," said CSLB Registrar David Fogt. "CSLB remains committed to protecting consumers from unlicensed individuals who have not met required standards and do not offer workers’ compensation insurance for their employees."

The punishments for contracting without a license and requesting excessive down payments both potentially include fines and jail time.