by Dale Chessey
On September 26 & 27, 2007, Bureau
of Electronic and Appliance Repair
(BEAR) representatives were on the
hunt in the
Sacramento
area to find unlicensed electronic
and appliance businesses.
The two-day sting operation
found several suspected unlicensed
individuals answering the call from
an in-home set-up.
BEAR wants to make sure that
only licensed businesses are conducting
repairs, and one way is to bait
possible unlicensed persons with
work requests.
Generally, BEAR responds to tips
provided by other businesses or
consumers who have had a bad experience
with a repair shop or individuals.
Also, at times BEAR representatives
set up a scenario where repair personnel
come to them and are caught in the
action of trying to conduct business
without a license.
BEAR representatives are stressing
to appliance and electronic repair
businesses that they need to be
licensed.
In this particular sting,
“Notice of Violation” were issued.
Violators of BEAR’s unlicensed
activity laws could face fines or
possible civil or criminal penalties.
BEAR representatives are
working with the individuals to
assist them in becoming compliant.
BEAR depends on your help in providing
tips and leads on any businesses
conducting questionable activities.
BEAR is planning on doing more of
these sting operations in various
parts of the state to ensure compliance
and to protect consumers from fraudulent
business practices.
“Unlicensed activity hurts the consumer
with fraud and security issues,
possible incompetence, and businesses
having unfair competition, all of
which could compromise the trade’s
professionalism.
We are going to be very proactive
and aggressive in making sure both
the consumer and the profession
are protected,”
stressed Bureau Manager Rick Diamond.
Consumers and businesses are encouraged
to use our Web site at
http://www.bear.ca.gov/ to search
licenses, track violations, and
to obtain more assistance with complying
with BEAR’s laws.
Contact Dale Chessey at (916) 574-2067
or email at
Dale_Chessey@dca.ca.gov for
questions and information.
