LAS VEGAS (FOX5) -
Officials want residents to be on alert after a sting operation uncovered 10 unlicensed contractors advertising services in Las Vegas and Reno.
The Nevada State Contractors Board (NSCB) in partnership with contractor boards from Arizona, California, Nevada, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Utah, and also the National Association of State Contractor Licensing Agencies (NASCLA) participated in a joint sting event targeting individuals advertising on online and electronic bulletin boards without a license and contracting without a license.
"Unlicensed contracting is a serious issue impacting states across the nation," said Margi A. Grein, executive officer of NSCB. "By coming together as a nation to address this growing concern, we are increasing our opportunities to educate homeowners of the risks and liabilities of using unlicensed contractors, while sending a clear message to unlicensed contractors that their gimmicks will not be tolerated."
NSCB advises homeowners utilizing online sources, such as Craigslist, to search for advertisements placed by contractors to do so with caution.
NSCB encourages consumers looking for contractors to perform work to follow these ten tips:
- Only hire licensed contractors.
- Check the contractor's license number by utilizing our Online Contractor Search at www.nscb.nv.gov
- Get three references and review past work.
- Get at least three bids.
- Get a written contract and do not sign anything until you completely understand the terms.
- For pool contracts, pay 10% down or $1,000 - whichever is less, if a deposit is required.
- Don't let payments get ahead of the work. Keep a record of all payments.
- Don't make a final payment until you are satisfied with the job.
- Don't pay cash.
- Keep a job file of all papers relating to your project.
Reports from other participating states in this sting event can be found on 'NASCLAs website, here.
Copyright 2012 KVVU (KVVU Broadcasting Corporation). All rights reserved.
