Information provided by the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries
Construction contractors are reporting that scammers falsely claiming to be from L&I are demanding they pay money over the phone to ensure their contractor registration remains valid.
The callers imply that their registration is suspended and that paying a $50 fee will reinstate their license. But the callers are not from L&I, and the money is not going to L&I.
Please don’t fall for this scam!
We never call contractors over the phone asking for payment to reinstate contractor registration.
While we have heard about this scam the past couple years, it appears to be picking up recently based on contractor reports. Some contractors are receiving emails and texts with the same false information as in the telephone calls.
If you receive one of these calls, hang up immediately. If you receive a text or email that appears to carry this message, don’t open it.
Check Your Status
You can check the status of your contractor registration at Lni.wa.gov/Verify. If you have questions, email Contractor Registration at contreg@lni.wa.gov or call 1-800-647-0982.
Reminder: Contractor Bonds Increasing This July
While we’re talking about contractor registration, please be aware contractor bonds will be higher the next time you renew your registration starting July 1.
Under a new state law, contractor bonds for:
- General contractors will rise from the current amount of $12,000 to the new amount of $30,000.
- Specialty contractors will go from the current $6,000 to $15,000.
- Licensed electrical and plumbing contractors will not be affected.
In most cases, currently registered contractors don’t need to pay the higher bond until their registration comes up for renewal sometime in the next two years. First-time applicants are subject to the new requirements starting July 1.
Liability insurance requirements remain the same.
For more information, see the contractor bond FAQs at Lni.wa.gov/RegisterAsAContractor.