Fraud Warning

WARNING: There is a rise in unregistered contractors...

And as a result, many homeowners end up with unfinished projects and damages to their home. Stories have been told on local and national news to alert homeowners of such fraud. This “underground economy” also causes a financial drain on legitimate business owners as well as the economic growth of the community.

Ideas to assist you with finding the right contractor for your next project:

1. Referrals are a great way to find a good contractor that has an established reputation.
2. Compare bids. Beware of the lowest bidder.
3. The Better Business Bureau or Master Builders Association can help you find a reputable contractor.
4. Ask for a copy of the contractor’s license, bond and insurance.
5. Obtain a list of their references.

Reporting contractor fraud:

If you're reading this a bit too late and have already become a victim of fraud, you should report it right away. The State of Washington has setup a special hotline for this purpose. Washington Fraud Reporting Hotline: (888) 811-5974

Additional Fraud Reporting Resources:
Fraud Prevention and Compliance Program
Carl Hammersburg, Manager
(360) 902-5933
hamc235@LNI.wa.gov

L&I Communication Services
Barbara Davis
(360) 902-4216
daba235@lni.wa.gov

State Public Access Databases*

• Look up a business in WA State...
• Check if a business has workers' comp...
• Check if a business has a valid registration, bond, and insurance...

*NOTE: Some businesses have very similar names