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Sting Operation Nets Suspected Unlicensed Electronic and Computer Repair Workser, Locksmiths and Contractors

Sting underscores DCA efforts to halt unlicensed operators

WEST SACRAMENTO – Investigators believe the alleged unlicensed operators came to a West Sacramento home looking for quick cash, but instead found themselves in the midst of a Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) sting operation, greeted with citations and handcuffs.The two-day joint undercover operation netted a number of individuals allegedly operating without licenses as locksmiths, repair technicians and contractors.

The sting involved investigators from DCA's Bureau of Electronic and Appliance Repair (BEAR), the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS) and the Contractors State License Board (CSLB), as well as enforcement representatives of the Yolo County District Attorney's Office, the West Sacramento Police Department, the California Department of Insurance and the Department of Industrial Relations.The operation was both an effort to shut down illegal operators and educate and warn consumers about the dangers of hiring unlicensed technicians and contractors.

According to DCA Director Carrie Lopez, undercover investigators posed as homeowners at the West Sacramento home and invited suspects to bid on projects that included appliance and computer repair, landscaping, painting, fencing, replacing door locks, and other home repairs. When they bid on a job and were initially found to be unlicensed, they were cited.

"These unlicensed operators weren't hard to find," said Lopez. "In the same way many of us shop for someone to fix the computer, the fridge, the sticky lock on the front door, our investigators opened the Penny Saver, went online to check Craig's List, made phone calls and set up appointments."

"But doing business with an unlicensed professional can be dangerous," she added. "Imagine the tragic consequences of shoddy electrical wiring, or perhaps an alarm system that doesn't work when you and your family need it most."

According to CSLB Registrar Steve Sands, unlicensed operators often have other legal problems. "Homeowners may think they are saving money by hiring someone who is unlicensed. But you never know what kind of individuals you are inviting into your home and what their real motives are. You also don't know if they even know how to do the job."

Those cited were given a date to show up in Yolo County Superior Court along with an application to apply for the appropriate state license. Yolo County District Attorney Jeff Reisig said, "The District Attorney's office is committed to protecting Yolo County's consumers from unscrupulous and unqualified individuals. We will aggressively prosecute the criminal violations that were uncovered during this very successful multi-agency operation."

DCA Director Lopez also pointed out that hiring unlicensed operators hurts more than just the individual consumer. "Unlicensed professionals compete unfairly against licensed businesses and professionals, who are qualified to provide services to California consumers," she said. "The best way to stop unlicensed activity in California is for consumers to stop hiring unlicensed persons."

Consumers can find out the status of a license, get information or file a complaint by calling the Department of Consumer Affairs hotline at 1-800-952-5210 or on the DCA website at www.dca.ca.gov.

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