Contractor Scam Alerts

The City of Rancho Palos Verdes has been made aware of homeowners falling victim to contractor “scams” in which they were fraudulently billed fees for non-existent or fake City building permits. The City would like to provide residents with tips to protect themselves from such individuals. Many homeowners don’t know what kind of work requires a permit, or what a permit looks like. Below are steps you can take to verify the legitimacy of your contractor and permits.

How can I verify that my contractor is state-licensed?

You can look up your contractor’s license with the California Contractors State License Board at cslb.ca.gov or by calling 800-321-2752. Then, verify that your contractor has a photo ID that matches the name on their license.

How can I verify that my contractor has a business license with the City of Rancho Palos Verdes?

You can find a list of active business licenses on the City website at the following link: https://www.rpvca.gov/677/Business-License-List

How do I know if my project needs a permit?

You can determine what kind of work requires a permit from the City at the following link: https://www.rpvca.gov/1452/Do-I-Need-a-Permit

How can I tell if my permit is valid?

Valid permits will be listed in the City’s permit database. You can conduct a permit search on the City website at the following link: https://etrakit.rpvca.gov/eTRAKiT/Search/permit.aspx

Additionally, an authentic permit will have a valid permit ID or record number. Fake and real examples are shown below.

FAKE PERMIT RECEIPT

Record number in the example above, 20BLD-1472 is NOT the sequence of numbers and letters the City uses when issuing permits.

VALID PERMIT

Roofing permit numbers will always start with RERF followed by the current year and the number in sequence.

Residential Remodel permit numbers will always start with RES followed by the current year and the number in sequence.

Building permit numbers will always start with BLD followed by the current year and the number in sequence.

What do I do if I’m not sure?

If you are unsure about the validity of your building permit, or if you have any questions, please contact the City’s Building and Safety Division at 310-544-5280. For additional contractor scam tips, download a Tip Sheet (PDF) from the City website.

Contractor Scam Tips

Here are some helpful tips from the California Contractors State License Board (CSLB) on scams involving contractors:

Always verify that a contractor is licensed through the California State License Board at cslb.ca.gov or by calling 800-321-2752. Then, verify that your contractor has a photo ID that matches the name on their license.
Receive three bids for the service in writing – if one quote is significantly cheaper than the others, that could be a red flag. Ask for references and check them.
Unlicensed contractors will ask for a large down payment. According to California law, down payments must be no more than 10 percent or $1,000, whatever is less.
Be wary of door-to-door sales and pressure tactics. If you did not initiate the contact, ask that they leave a card so you can research the company. Do not let someone you do not know into your home, especially when they say they can provide a free inspection.
Don’t feel pressured to make a decision. Tell the contractor that you are getting at least three bids.
Always get a written contract. Be cautious with an electronic contract, it can be modified after you sign. You must be given a written copy of the contract signed by you and the contractor before work begins. In the contract, include a process payment schedule, identification of subcontractors and material suppliers so you can ensure they have been paid, and start and completion dates. Get any change orders in writing, signed by both the homeowner and contractor. Read the contract carefully. If a contractor is pressuring you to sign now, that is a red flag.
Keep a record of all of your payments. Scammers may try to trick you saying you never paid a certain bill. Keep your own records so you can verify.
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Reminder: Always Verify Licenses When Considering Hiring a Contractor

The City of Rancho Palos Verdes reminds residents to always verify licenses when considering hiring a contractor.

How can I verify that my contractor is state-licensed?
You can look up your contractor’s license with the California Contractors State License Board at cslb.ca.gov or by calling 800-321-2752. Then, verify that your contractor has a photo ID that matches the name on their license.

How can I verify that my contractor has a business license with the City of Rancho Palos Verdes?
You can find a list of active business licenses on the City website at the following link: https://www.rpvca.gov/677/Business-License-List

For additional contractor scam tips, download a Tip Sheet (PDF) from the City website.