SPARKS, Nev. (KRNV & MyNews4.com) -- Sparks Police are asking for your help finding a man placed on Nevada's Most Wanted Contractors list.
Manuel Cristales, 34, is accused of ripping people off of more than $15,000 worth of work.
The Nevada State Contractors Board says Cristales targets seniors under under the business name of "Anthony Landscape and Design."
Information on Manuel Cristales can be reported to (702) 486-1160.
Red flag warnings of unscrupulous contractors:
•Unable to provide a business card/contact information/contractor’s license number
•Contractor has “extra” materials from a previous job
•Contractor solicits work because they noticed issues with your home
•Contractor asks to perform a free inspection, followed by a laundry list of repairs that need to be made
•Contractor does not want to put the agreement in writing
•Contractor demands cash payment
NSCB encourages consumers looking for contractors to perform work to follow these ten tips:
1.Only hire licensed contractors.
2.Check the contractor’s license number by utilizing our Online Contractor Search at www.nscb.nv.gov
3.Get three references and review past work.
4.Get at least three bids.
5.Get a written contract and do not sign anything until you completely understand the terms.
6.For pool contracts, pay 10% down or $1,000 - whichever is less, if a deposit is required.
7.Don’t let payments get ahead of the work. Keep a record of all payments.
8.Don’t make a final payment until you are satisfied with the job.
9.Don’t pay cash.
10.Keep a job file of all papers relating to your project.
