State to Unlicensed Contractors: “Don’t Even Think About It”
Officials warn people in the Station Fire burn zone to watch out
Thursday, Jan 7, 2010 | Updated 2:44 PM PST
A man surveys the landscape following the Station Fire
Officials with the Contractors State License Board today warned people in the Station Fire burn zone to be wary of unlicensed contractors who could take advantage of them.
The board also warned unlicensed contractors that they could face prison terms if caught doing jobs for more than $500, the threshold requiring a contractor's license.
“Don't even think about contracting in a fire zone without a valid California contractor's license,” Steve Sands, the registrar for the board, said. “CSLB takes a proactive approach to eliminate many of the problems before they happen.”
CSLB and Department of Insurance investigators have begun canvassing burn areas, offering help and advice to fire victims, Sands said.
Homeowners can use the CSLB Web site www.cslb.ca.gov , or www.checkthelicensefirst.com , to check a contractor's license status and history, or they can call (800) 321-CSLB.
Also, a toll-free disaster hotline -- (800) 962-1125 -- is open for disaster victims to get information from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays.
