Mike Dolt Enterprises
Mike Dolt Enterprises
User: ramsy, Location: LA basin, CA
Asked on: Tuesday, April 22, 2025 at 5:49 pm EDT
Answered on: Tuesday, April 22, 2025 at 5:50 pm EDT
Question: Anyone see such business cards at your building department? Expecting the permit in a few hours sounds suspicious.40+ miles away from address shown on business card, which claims to avoid online systems, use the counter only, promises $120 for each permit, regardless of corrections, plans, or delays.My phone call was answered, and resulted in further info by Text Messages:Msg1:Hi roger for the first project we will hopefully complete together I would need this info : Your company name State license # Current address Ein # Best email for company Work property address Homeowner name/phone number Scope of work Valuation of project (can be estimated )
Yes, that does sound suspicious, and you're right to be cautious. Here's a breakdown of why it's raising red flags: Expecting the permit in a few hours
This is highly unusual. Building permits almost always require time for review, especially in busy departments. A promise of rapid turnaround suggests they might be cutting corners or have some questionable influence.
Avoiding online systems
Most building departments now encourage or even require online applications for efficiency and transparency. Actively avoiding this suggests they might be trying to circumvent standard procedures or hide something.
Flat fee regardless of issues
A fixed price of $120 per permit, regardless of complications, is highly unusual. Permit fees are typically based on the project's valuation and complexity. A flat fee structure is strange and might mean they're not actually handling the official fees properly.
Distance discrepancy
The significant distance between the business card address and the area they're operating in is another red flag. Legitimate companies usually focus on their local area to minimize travel costs and build relationships with local authorities.
Unsolicited Contact
The fact that they reached out to you without you seeking their services raises further concerns.
Licensing and Contact Information
The fact they need you EIN, License Number, Company Name, and Company Address also raises a few issues. The Business Name and State License of the person or company submitting the permit should be sufficient, and the city can look up the other details if needed.
Here's what I would recommend doing
Contact the Building Department Directly
Inform the building department about this contact. They will want to know about potentially unethical or illegal activities.
Verify Licensing
Independently verify the contractor's license through the state's licensing board.
Check Online Reviews
Search for the company name online to see if there are any reviews or complaints.
Trust Your Gut
If something feels off, it probably is. Don't hesitate to walk away from a deal that seems too good to be true.
In short, this situation warrants extreme caution. Do your due diligence, verify everything independently, and report your concerns to the appropriate authorities. Flag for review