Newport Man Cited in Unlicensed Contractor Sting

A Newport Beach man was among eight people cited this week in a sting aimed at busting unlicensed contractors making illegal bids, the Contractors State License Board said Friday.

Samuel Kimo Young, 30, received a notice to appear in court on suspicion that he has no license and bid more than $500 for a concrete job, according to a press release from the board. Contractors without a state license may only perform jobs valued at less than $500, the release said. While citing Young, investigators discovered that he is on probation for stalking, according to the release.

“Consumers have to be aware of who they are letting into their homes,” Steve Sands, registrar for the board, said in a statement. “If you’re not checking the license first, you could be putting yourself and your family’s safety and finances at risk.” 

Investigators with the Contractors State License Board posed as homeowners during the undercover operation, which took place Wednesday, and invited suspected illegal contractors to a house in West Covina to bid on various home improvement projects, according to the release. The eight people cited are scheduled to appear in Los Angeles Superior Court in September for arraignment. They face misdemeanor charges, the release said.

The Contractors State License Board offered these tips for hiring a contractor:

• Only hire state-licensed contractors and ask to see their license and a photo ID to verify their identity.  
• Always check the license number on CSLB’s website at www.cslb.ca.gov or www.CheckTheLicenseFirst.com to make sure the license is in good standing.     
• Don’t pay more than 10 percent or $1,000, whichever is less, as a down payment.  There is an exception for about two dozen licensees who carry special bonds to protect consumers. These exceptions are noted on CSLB’s website. 
• Don’t pay in cash, and don’t let payments get ahead of the work.
• Get at least three bids, check references, and get a written contract.