Warnings to Hoosiers of flood-related fraudsters

Wednesday, April 10, 2024 at 5:36 PM

Following the heavy rainfall throughout the state, Attorney General Todd Rokita is warning Hoosiers of scammers who use bad weather and pose as repairmen to gain personal information from hardworking homeowners to drain their bank accounts.

April showers might bring May flowers, but they also bring con artists to your area claiming to help with flood damage.

“When storms of any kind hit the state, it can cause good-hearted people to trust others’ deceitful intentions when they offer to help,” Attorney General Rokita said. “Please be cautious if someone approaches you about storm-related repairs and do not give your information away before doing your research.”

Unfortunately, far too many dubious con artists appear on people’s doorsteps, promise to make needed repairs, and then disappear with their victims’ down payment in their pockets — never to return to do the work.

Attorney General Rokita is sharing the following tips to help Hoosiers avoid falling victim to storm-chasing scammers:

• Be skeptical of people promising immediate cleanup and debris removal.
• Know that FEMA doesn’t charge application fees. If someone wants money to help you qualify for FEMA funds, that’s probably a scam.
• Check out contractors’ reputations before enlisting their services.
• Ask for IDs, licenses, and proof the contractor is both bonded and insured.
• Get more than one estimate for work.
• Don’t believe any promises that aren’t in writing.
• Never pay by wire transfer, gift card, cryptocurrency, or in cash.
• Don’t pay the full amount for the project up front.

Dealing with a flood or any weather-related disaster is never easy, but when scammers target people just trying to recover, the experience can become even more difficult.

If you ever suspect a scam of any type, file a complaint at indianaconsumer.com or call Attorney General Todd Rokita’s office at 1-800-382-5516.