Hillsborough County Contractor Crackdown Led to 50 Arrests

The people seeking home repairs were actually undercover detectives.

FOX 13 reports investigators used a Riverview property to pose as residents looking for construction services during Operation Bad Builder.

The result: 50 arrests, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office’s October 22 announcement.

The investigation ran from June 1 through October 2. Construction Fraud Unit detectives reviewed online advertisements, investigated residents’ complaints and arranged undercover meetings.

HCSO highlighted allegations involving home projects that left residents facing additional repairs, along with electrical work allegedly offered without the required license.

For anyone hiring help, the practical question is simple: what have you checked beyond the advertisement?

Before you hand over a deposit

HCSO recommends checking the contractor’s license at MyFloridaLicense.com, requesting proof of insurance and getting the agreement in writing. The agency also advises against paying the entire bill upfront.

Residents who believe they were victimized by an unlicensed contractor can contact HCSO detectives at 813-247-8200.

When you hire someone to work on your home, what earns your trust before money changes hands?

Written by Siri Alexander
Published by WHH Media Network

Sources: Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office; FOX 13 Tampa Bay reporting by Nancy Gay.

Image credit: Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. Cover design by WHH Media Network.