(INDIANAPOLIS) - Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita is urging Hoosiers to remain vigilant against scammers exploiting the damage from recent storms.
Fraudsters are already circulating in affected neighborhoods, including door-to-door salesmen who falsely claim "FEMA will pay for all of this. At this early stage, such a broad sweeping and confident assertion that the government or someone else will foot the bill is something that consumers should be on the lookout for and leery of.
Rokita says thousands of Hoosiers are assessing damage and beginning the hard work of rebuilding. He says these fraudsters prey on people at their most vulnerable. Rokita says 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.
Indiana law protects homeowners. Under the Home Improvement Contracts Act, contracts for residential repairs or improvements exceeding $150 must be in writing and include at a minimum,: 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.