Have you done any advertising on Craigslist? Are you unlicensed? Beware, the CSLB trolls Craigslist looking for unlicensed contractors to come to their sting house and bait you into offering services that you can’t provide, legally.
Here’s the scenario, you don’t have a license but need business. So, you put an add on Craigslist offering your services and you state that you’re not licensed. So far, so good. You get a call from a “homeowner” asking you to come by and give them a bid. The “homeowner” (CSLB Undercover) tells you how big the job is. You, knowing that you can’t do work that is $500 or more including labor and materials, tells the “homeowner” that you can’t do the job because of the dollar cap and you’re not licensed. Still good! But then the “homeowner” asks what would it take to job, just for chits and giggles or making conversation, and you being a kind person, pass on some of your knowledge… Then BAM… out comes the badge and now you’re headed to the secret room where they read you your rights.
You’ve heard of Miranda, I assume. You have the right to remain silent… When the “homeowner” pumps you for more information, tell them you can’t comment because you’re not licensed and then walk away. You’re not going to bid on the job anyway because 1) you don’t know the person you’re speaking to and 2) you can’t legally perform the work anyway. So just walk away. No misdemeanor, no fines, no court appearances. Save your “over the limit” work for family and friends. Better yet, stay off Craigslist.
