PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – A 42-year-old felon with a lifetime ban from ever practicing as a contractor in Oregon is back in hot water.

KOIN 6 News has learned that Monte Rex Vandeventer was booked into the Multnomah County Detention Center on Wednesday after being charged with first-degree theft.

Vandeventer has never been a licensed contractor in the state. According to police, the Oregon Department of Justice filed an injunction against him years ago to prohibit him from ever being a contractor. As part of that ban, he’s not allowed to even solicit work.

Police allege that Vandeventer recently swindled a local business out of $1300 when he agreed to do some parking lot repair work but never started the job.

Monte Vandeventer has 7 felony, 12 misdemeanor and 7 probation violation convictions

Records show that Vandeventer has 7 felony, 12 misdemeanor and 7 probation violation convictions.

Portland Police White Collar Crimes Detective Cheryl Waddell stresses the importance of people ensuring their hired contractors are licensed with the state.

“When you hire someone that has a contractor’s license, you know they’re supposed to be trained, and they’ve presented documentation that they’re trained to a certain standard,” she said.

According to the Oregon Construction Contractors Board, red flags of a potential unlicensed contractor include:

• Unmarked vehicles with out-of-state plates.

• Business card that don’t list a CCB license number (or lists a fake one).

• The people seem friendly but talk fast to confuse you and use scare tactics, saying your repairs must be done immediately or your home will be unsafe.

• An offer to use your home as a display home for a discounted price.

• An offer for a discount if you find them more customers in the area.

• Resistance to a written estimate and contract.

• A very low estimate. A price that is too good to be true often turns into a construction nightmare.

To protect yourself you can call the state to verify information and ask about any complaint history. The CCB’s phone number is 503.378.4621. You can also do an online check by visiting their website.

The state has provided a booklet with more tips to avoid being scammed.

In Multnomah County, to report suspected construction scams, call the non-emergency dispatch center at 503.823.3333.