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SALT LAKE CITY — A state agency issued nearly 100 citations and levied more than $500,000 in fees during a three-week sweep targeting unlicensed contractors advertising digitally, according to a recently released statement.
On July 17, the Utah Department of Commerce announced that the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing, a division under the department, had issued 96 citations and a total of $543,000 in fines. The agency cracked down on unlicensed contractors who had been advertising online via classified ads, on social media or “other online resources,” state commerce officials said.
“Unlicensed contractors hurt homeowners and business owners with fraud, shoddy work and liability issues, as well as taking away business from Utah licensees who follow the law,” said Francine Giani, executive director of the Utah Department of Commerce, in a statement.
The citations and fines were the results of a three-week sting that was part of a national effort by members of the National Association of State Contractors Licensing Agencies. Nine other states, as well as the District of Columbia, all carried on similar stings from June 3 through June 21.
In Utah, occupational and professional licensing investigators opened 178 cases, referred 21 cases for agency action, and issued citations and fines.
According to a statement from the National Association of State Contractors Licensing Agencies, a total of 683 persons across the country were found noncompliant with licensing requirements in their state during the crackdown.
“The purpose of the National Coordinated Enforcement Effort is to partner and spotlight the enforcement efforts of our contractor state licensing and registration agencies nationally and to promote public and consumer protection. NASCLA along with our state members want to raise awareness and deter illegal construction practices across the country to level the playing field for professionally licensed contractors who are following the state laws, rules and regulations,” said Angie Whitaker, the association’s executive director, in a June 27 statement.
- Verify the contractor or business is actively licensed with the state of Utah at www.dopl.utah.gov.
- Always hire a licensed contractor so you can file a complaint if something goes wrong in the business transaction.
- Require three written estimates to compare.
- Check at least three references with former customers.
- Check with materials suppliers on which contractors/companies they would recommend.
- Require a written contract to protect yourself and your property against liens.
- Don’t make a large down payment; pay as work is completed.
- Monitor the job in progress.
- Don’t make the final payment until the job is complete, per the terms of your contract.
- Keep copies of all paperwork related to your job.
