Workers replace a roof on a home. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

UNION CITY (KCBS) -Nearly 100 unlicensed contractors were arrested in Union City and other parts of California this week by undercover investigators posing as homeowners shopping around for home improvements.

Investigators scoured Craigslist, jotted down numbers on flyers and set their traps at residential homes that needed painting, landscaping, or flooring. They invited the would-be contractors to homes, such as one under construction in Union City, and asked for an estimate on the work.

If their bids more than $500, then at that point theyre placed under arrest if they dont have a license, said Rick Lopes with the Contractors State License Board.

KCBS Janice Wright Reports:

Union City Sting Operation Snares Illegal Contractors

California law requires any work that totals more than $500 in materials and labor to be done by a licensed contractor who discloses their license number in all advertising. There are also limits on how much payment the contractor can ask for up front.

Even savvy homeowners can be fooled. Diane Stone of Oakland lost $4,700 when she hired an unlicensed painter who just wasnt doing the job. Her ex-husband was a painting contractor.

I know the business, but I just didnt bother to check the credentials, she said.

92 people were arrested in eight sting operations over the course of two days. In some cases, the suspects were people reported to the board by legitimate contractors who filed complaints against them.

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Union City Sting Operation Snares Illegal Contractors

UNION CITY, Calif.

Nearly 100 people, including 14 Bay Area residents, could face criminal charges after being arrested in statewide undercover sting targeting unlicensed contractors.

Fraud investigators from the Contractors State License Board said at a news conference in Union City Friday that they conducted stings on Wednesday and Thursday in Alameda, Sonoma, Monterey, Los Angeles, Placer, San Diego and San Luis Obispo counties.

Investigators posed as homeowners seeking bids for home improvements such as painting, flooring, landscaping, fence repair, tree trimming, gutter installation, and water heater replacement.

A total of 92 individuals were arrested and now may face misdemeanor charges of contracting without a license.

State licensing officials said the penalty for a conviction is up to six months in jail and/or a fine of up to $5,000.

They said at least two of those arrested this week are repeat offenders who now face a mandatory 90-day jail sentence if convicted a second time.

State officials said 77 of those who were arrested also may be charged with illegal advertising, as state law requires contractors to place their license number in all print, broadcast, and online advertisements.

They said 12 others may be charged with requesting an excessive down payment, as in California a down payment cannot exceed 10 percent of the contract total or $1,000, whichever is less.

In addition, they said 14 of the allegedly phony contractors were issued Stop Orders.

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Sting leads to arrest of 92 unlicensed contractors