Indiana Office of the Attorney General warns residents of scams targeting victims of storm damage, flooding 

Following severe storms and widespread flooding across Indiana, the Indiana Office of the Attorney General is warning residents to be cautious of scammers looking to exploit them, especially as the state deploys emergency response measures. 

On Monday, Indiana Governor Mike Braun offered an update on how the state and federal governments are responding to the disaster. At his direction, all of Indiana’s public safety agencies have been deployed on active emergency response missions, according to a press release from the governor’s office.  

This includes the State Disaster Relief Fund, which will provide up to $5,000 in emergency aid grants to residents in need. The Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority is providing temporary housing grants to help displaced residents.  

In the midst of a growing list of support for Hoosiers, Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita warns that scammers may pose as legitimate actors in order to gain vulnerable residents’ trust.  

“Thousands of Hoosiers are assessing damage and beginning the hard work of rebuilding,” Rokita said in a press release. “These fraudsters prey on people at their most vulnerable. Do your homework, be tenacious, demand everything in writing, and make sure your resources go to legitimate recovery—not into the pockets of con artists.” 

The attorney general’s office warns that scammers often act quickly and may pressure homeowners to sign contracts in order to reserve their spot in line to repair damages. These scammers may also claim a list of local, licensed contractors is not available yet or that a home is unsafe and needs immediate repairs.  

They may also offer to “manage” the homeowners’ insurance claims, give referral discounts, waive deductibles and perform work for “whatever insurance pays.” 

The office provides several “red flags” to look out for and practical tips if you think a scammer is targeting you:  

• High-pressure tactics or insistence on signing immediately;   

• Verbal promises instead of a complete written contract;  

• Offers to waive or reduce your deductible, which are illegal;    

• Claims that “FEMA will pay for everything” or that the contractor will handle the entire insurance claim without your approval of changes;   

• Requests for large upfront payments or final payment before work is fully complete;    

• Failure to disclose use of subcontractors or third parties; and   

• Requests for multiple referrals or 5-star reviews in exchange for discounts that effectively reduce your deductible 

Indiana homeowners are protected under the Home Improvement Contracts Act, which states that contracts for residential repairs or improvements that cost more than $150 must be in writing. In addition, these contracts must include the following information: 

• The name and address of the homeowner and the property;  

• The name, address, and contact information of the contractor (and any agents);  

• A reasonably detailed description of the work;  

• Approximate start and completion dates;   

• The full contract price; and   

• A clear statement if third parties or subcontractors will perform any of the work or supply materials 

Contractors cannot advertise, offer or promise to pay or rebate any portion of an insurance deductible or act as public adjusters. 

Homeowners who believe they’ve encountered a scam can report it to the Indiana Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division at indianaconsumer.com or at 1-800-382-5516.