StarBulletin.com

Contractor con artists might be at work locally


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POSTED: Sunday, November 15, 2009

State consumer protection agencies are warning consumers and businesses about a roving band of unlicensed contractors who repave driveways or perform other home renovation work.

“;We have received credible evidence that George Stanley and related individuals have relocated here from the mainland and are engaged in unlicensed contracting activity and other conduct that is similar to conduct that took place in other states,”; said Jo Ann Uchida, of the Regulated Industries and Complaints Office in the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs.

Stanley, 29, pleaded no contest to felony grand theft by false pretenses in California, according to the California Contractors State License Board.

Investigators there believe Stanley has conned dozens of Californians, including many elderly, of at least a half-million dollars.

Stanley's and his extended family's scheme involved approaching home or business owners, stating they had leftover asphalt from another paving job, and that they could resurface driveways or fill potholes for a “;good deal.”; The so-called “;deal”; generally ended up costing much more than the quoted price and the work often crumbled within days or weeks, according to a DCCA news release.

Uchida noted that Stanley and his relatives may be using other names, including the names of licensed contractors, and other names such as W. Stanley Paving, William Stanley, Sam Stanley and Brian Gifford.

People with information about possible unlicensed activity by this group are urged to contact RICO at 587-3222.