CSLB Sting Locations Needed Ahead of Spike in Spring Building and Renovation

    SACRAMENTO - Spring is right around the corner. It's a busy season when homeowners begin renovation projects and others tackle the long rebuilding process after a wildfire disaster. Each Spring, there is a spike in unlicensed contracting and the Contractors State License Board (CSLB) needs your help to stem the tide of illegal activity.

    Undercover sting operations are the best way for CSLB to catch individuals in the act of contracting without a license. In order to continue these efforts to curb the underground economy, CSLB needs access to more residential and commercial properties to use as sting sites.

    CSLB's Statewide Investigative Fraud Teams (SWIFT) conducts the stings with the assistance of state or local law enforcement agencies. Every year, investigators issue Notices to Appear in court to hundreds of unlicensed contractors during these undercover operations held year-round throughout California.

    Licensed contractors have long been one of CSLB's main sources to identify properties - whether occupied or unoccupied - for the one- and two-day operations. It's hoped that more licensees will support CSLB's commitment to leveling the playing field for licensed contractors that follow the rules by helping to identify and secure sting properties.

    Here's a list of areas in most need of sting properties:

    • Areas effected by disastrous wildfires. Properties that suffered structural damage are a top priority to reduce unlicensed activity in these regions.
    • Southern California, specifically in Imperial, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Diego, and San Bernardino counties.
    • Central California, in specific counties such as Tulare, Kings, Stanislaus, Ventura, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, and Monterey.
    • Ideal properties include single family homes, small commercial buildings, especially in strip malls, and industrial buildings.

    A small stipend is available to those who provide CSLB with a sting site. To learn more about these operations or to offer a property for a future sting please contact the SWIFT office closest to you:

    Northern California 916.255.2924, SWIFTNorth@cslb.ca.gov

    Central California 559.490.0580, SWIFTCentral@cslb.ca.gov

    Southern California 562.345.7600, SWIFTSouth@cslb.ca.gov


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