Fire Victims Scammed by Fake Contractors

In the wake of the Eaton Fire in Altadena, Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman announced felony charges against five individuals accused of operating as unlicensed contractors. These individuals allegedly exploited residents in the declared emergency area by offering expedient, affordable repair services. They are accused of demanding payment upfront, leaving victims with no recourse if work was substandard or incomplete, and without insurance to cover potential damages.

District Attorney Hochman characterized these unlicensed operators as part of the "tragic underbelly" of disaster recovery, emphasizing the risks to homeowners. He highlighted that hiring unlicensed contractors can lead to fraudulent practices and unsafe construction, potentially making property owners liable if someone is injured on their site. The statute cited carries severe penalties, including substantial fines and significant prison sentences for first-time offenders, with escalated consequences for repeat offenses.

To combat this issue, warning signs will be posted in affected communities, alerting residents to the prosecution of unlicensed contractor fraud and detailing potential penalties. These signs will also feature QR codes, enabling consumers to easily verify contractor licenses. This initiative aims to protect vulnerable residents from exploitation during the critical rebuilding phase.