8 on Your Side: Sting Nabs Unlicensed Contractors

LAS VEGAS - The scope of emotions during a recent undercover sting by the Nevada State Contractors Board varied greatly. Each person caught in the sting is accused of a crime. No one wanted to do the time.

The board recently busted several unlicensed contractors at a valley pool and spa store. The investigators pretended to be new owners of a property who wanted to make some changes.

They called contractors who advertised their landscaping, electrical, painting and general contracting services on Craigslist.

Many of the unlicensed contractors claimed to have been performing work for years. Once the investigators received a bid, they unveiled the sting.

"We're doing an undercover operation, and it is a sting operation for the contractor's board. Your advertising on Craigslist is against the law and coming out here and bidding is also against the law," the investigator told the suspect.

Each unlicensed contractor received a ticket and a court date. A short time later, they began to provide excuses.

"I've been doing this like eight years, ten years," one suspect said.

"Why haven't you gotten your own business together?" the investigator asked.

"I took the test, but I'm not smart enough," the suspect replied.

Some of the culprits admitted to bigger crimes. "I have a partner who, if I need a license, he let's me use his," one said.

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8 on Your Side: Sting Nabs Unlicensed Contractors