Zoeller warns of repair scammers after storms

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – Families in Speedway worked to clean up the mess from uprooted trees and other debris Tuesday afternoon, and they’re not alone.

The Indiana Attorney General is warning homeowners to beware of repair scammers who prey on families desperate to get back into their homes after the storms.

The Attorney General said his office has received around 390 complaints so far this year related to home improvements and repair.

Mother nature has not been playing nice these past couple of days.

People living in some of the hardest hits areas, including, Noblesville, Columbus, and Speedway are trying to repair the damage caused by flooding and strong winds.

“I think the storms are actually worst this year than they were last year,” said Greg Zoeller, Indiana Attorney General. “I kind of expect a lot more people to be vulnerable.”

Zoeller is urging homeowners to proceed with caution when shopping around for a contractor or tree trimmers to clean up the mess.

“Whenever they want you to do it right now, your guard should be up,” said Zoeller.

Zoeller has been warning people for years against repair scammers especially after a big storm.

“They’re in the neighborhood, they can give you a deal if you contract with them right now so there’s this heavy pressured to act right now before you have a chance to really think about it,” said Zoeller.

The Attorney General told 24 Hour News 8 the tactic is all the same in most of these cases.

He said while some scammers will go door to door others will make their pitch over the phone, which is why the Better Business Bureau is offering some advice for homeowners:

• Some contractors are required to be licensed/registered to do home improvements. In Marion County contact the Department of Code Enforcement at 317-327-1291.
• Be proactive in selecting a contractor and not reactive to sales calls on the phone or door-to-door pitches.
• Do not pay for the work in advance. Be wary of any contractor who insists on full or half payment upfront. Don’t pay more than 1/3 upfront.
• More importantly, be wary of a contractor trying to push you to sign a contract that makes them the exclusive contractor to do the repair job. This restricts the consumer from shopping around for the best bid to repair the damage. Read all of the fine print in the contract and understand ALL terms and conditions within the contract.
• Resist high-pressure sales tactics such as the “good deal” you’ll get only if you hire the contractor on the spot. Or if they’ve offered to work for your neighbor, friend or family at a deep discount. These are often red flags something is amiss.

The Better Business Bureau said often times these scammers will be from out of state, so once they have your money there’s a good chance you won’t get it back.

If you believe you have been scammed you can file a complaint with the Attorney General’s Office at www.IndianaConsumer.com or by calling 1-800-382-5516.