Indiana Attorney General gives warning following Monday’s storms

AVON, Ind. (WISH) – Following Monday’s storms, experts have a warning before you agree to have debris cleaned.

In Avon, some neighbors have already hired companies to clean-up. Lynn Amos however, has decided to wait.

“We’ve had two come by already,” Amos said. “One immediately yesterday, and we had one this morning already.”

Minutes after our interview, another company appeared looking to clear debris. While she’s open to estimates, Amos isn’t rushing to hire someone.

“Don’t be hasty,” Amos said. “Don’t go with the first person. Check with your insurance first, get several estimates. Just don’t jump with the first one that comes by.”

It’s a philosophy the Indiana Attorney General’s office said Hoosiers affected by storms need to have.

“What’ll happen is you have a blue tarp over your roof, you’ve almost advertised that you need help,” Indiana Attorney General, Greg Zoeller said. “They’ll come in a see that. They’ll stop and knock on your door.”

In addition to not moving fast, experts said get multiple quotes and see if your insurance company knows the business.

Also, check for complaints with the Better Business Bureau or Attorney General, and never pay in full up front.

When it comes to scams, people losing money over home repairs isn’t uncommon.

In fact, the attorney general’s office said last year alone, it was the number three complaint with 900 coming in.

That’s a big reason why Amos said she’ll wait. After all, she’s doesn’t need a scam that’ll scare her worse than the storm.

“First tornado I’ve seen up-close like that,” Amos said.

If you are scammed, contact the attorney general’s office. If the company has a license, the state can go after it. If they’re bonded, they can try to recover money.

For more information on how to protect yourself, click here.