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CCB Sting Surprises Uncertified Locksmiths and Unlicensed Contractors

by | Feb 22, 2011

Oregon

Oregon

(Portland- Oregon CCB) – On  January 19 and 20, 2011,  uncertified locksmiths and unlicensed contractors in the Happy Valley area had a surprise waiting for them. The Construction Contractors Board (CCB)  conducted a sting operation designed to curb uncertified locksmith and unlicensed contractor activity in the area. The Portland ABC affiliate KATU participated and filmed the action. The CCB partnered with a member of the Pacific Locksmith Association to locate a sting house.

At the end of the two-day sting, CCB issued 8 individuals a total of 9 proposed field orders; 3 for unlicensed construction activity and 6 for uncertified locksmith activity.  Field Investigators forwarded additional reports to CCB’s Enforcement section for further investigation and possible action.

“Illegal activity doesn’t just hurt the consumer,” says Robert Rambo, Manager of CCB’s Field Investigations. “It hurts the legitimate contractors that work hard to stay in compliance only to get undercut by those who don’t. The CCB is committed to finding and penalizing those working illegally.”

Though licensing of construction contractors have been part of Oregon law since the 1970’s, laws requiring locksmith certification and licensing became effective July 1, 2010.  Locksmiths in Oregon are required to be certified and the business licensed by the CCB unless exempted by law.

Prior to the sting, the CCB obtained leads from advertisements, Craig’s list, public bulletin boards, and other unnamed sources.

The CCB has stepped up enforcement efforts throughout the state with more  stings planned as well as jobsite checks happening at any given time on any day of the week.

The CCB  strongly encourages consumers to verify a contractor is actively licensed. Consumers can easily check the license and complaint history at www.oregon.gov/CCB or by calling 503-378-4621. Licensed contractors have a bond and insurance which offer some  financial protections if something were to go wrong. Homeowners  can get help resolving construction-related disputes within a year from the time the work was substantially completed or the work stopped. These protections are only available if the contractor is licensed with the CCB.

Consumers can pick up more tips on having a successful construction project with CCB’s 16 Ways to Avoid Remodeling, Repair and Construction Problems. The free booklet is available at www.oregon.gov/CCB .

(OnlineEd) – As of July 1, 2010 businesses offering to provide or providing locksmith services must hold a Construction Contractors Board (“CCB”) license, either residential, commercial, or both endorsements; and have an owner or employee who is certified as a locksmith.

Oregon requires contractors to complete a 16-hour training course and pass a state licensing examination. The course can be purchased online from OnlineEd (www.OnlineEd.com). OnlineEd® delivers its State approved course wholly online in an audio/video format. The course sells for just $139, which also includes the Oregon Contractors Reference manual.

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For For more information about OnlineEd, please visit www.OnlineEd.com or call 503.670.9278
For more information about Oregon Construction Contractors Board, please visit www.oregon.gov/CCB or call 503.378.4621

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