Four people were caught trying to make a buck as would-be ski-snowboard instructors at Heavenly Mountain Resort.

The two from South Lake Tahoe, one from Carson City and the other from Albany were charged with misdemeanor crimes and released on promise to appear citations.

El Dorado County sheriff’s deputies set up the sting Dec. 4.

A business license is necessary to conduct such a business and none of these suspects had one, nor did they have permission from Heavenly to offer ski instructor services.

“Operations such as this are sometimes necessary to ensure public safety and local business security,” a press release states. “El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office will continue to monitor Internet and other media sources to ensure our locals and visitors that vendors are operating with the law.”