I adjusted WC claims for almost 5 years in California and had similar situations. The illegals sometimes come here planning to file a claim and take their settlement back to Mexico where the money goes a lot farther. I had some SSNs come back with 10 or more names tied to it from all over the country. I turned claimants and employers in for fraud with no results. I had video of an illegal working for a different employer and an idiot judge ruled that the claimant credibly testified that it wasn’t him in the video! I had depositions from several claimants that the employer paid them under the table. This reduced the premium and is employer fraud. The whole system is corrupt.
The hiring of contractors caused a heated discussion between my husband and me last year. We wanted to put new energy efficient windows in this old farm house. I wanted the best windows and licensed and insured contractors to install them. He wanted cheap labor. Since I was paying for them I prevailed. I hired professionals and made it very clear that there would be no illegals on my property. They said they never used them. I went over all the paperwork and small print. They did a wonderful and professional job and it was worth every penny.
I like to save money like everybody else but not when it comes to major home improvements. Our farm is paid for and I’m not taking any chances on losing it due to lawsuits by contractors.