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.
DNR receives regional award for project on former mine land near Pleasantville
ISP shopping safety tips
Funding available for waste tire cleanup projects
Riverton Parke's Emily Adams awarded the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship for Parke County
BMV announces Christmas and New Year's Day holiday hours
Indiana launches Smart SNAP
Indiana 211: Connecting Hoosiers to holiday support and essential resources
Department of Homeland Security launches Worst of the Worst website
Governor Braun takes action to waive hours-of-service regulations for transporting propane
Two Indiana State Fair Commission executives elected to prominent national IAFE Positions, Indiana State Fair honored with multiple awards
Cover Crop Premium Discount Program available for Hoosier farmers, new pre-enrollment available
Indiana FSSA extends open enrollment for HIP and PathWays Plans through December 24
Consumer Alert: Dozens of dangerous products recalled in November
Connect with Indiana 211 to find local warming centers during the winter weather season
Car crash claims Greencastle life
Rockville Police add Drug Terminator to their arsenal
Man arrested on battery charges after fleeing scene, officers
Cayuga man arrested for child seduction
Veterinary bill passes out of committee
