Deputy AGs take oath to serve Hoosiers

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - On Sunday 140 lawyers took an oath to serve Hoosiers. As the economic crisis continues new Deputy Attorneys General will look out for an increase in consumer fraud.

The Attorney General's office is starting the new year with some new deputies and new challenges during these tough economic times.

"I think the office of the Attorney General particularly is a guardian of consumer protection," Indiana Attorney General Elect Greg Zoeller said.

The new Deputy Attorneys General were sworn in under a new administration with Zoeller as the leader.

Forty-first Attorney General Steve Carter says the state government will be facing some new challenges this year, "It's going to have to work extra efficiently over the next few years. The resources are tight but often the attorney's are the ones defending the pocket book of the tax payers. So we've got to find a way to implement those services even in tight fiscal times."

Zoeller and Carter agree that these tough times also leave consumers more vulnerable to companies looking to make some fast cash.

"There's a lot of times when the economic crisis hits people are in trouble and they become more vulnerable. So I think everybody in our office has to be more attentive to the people that may take advantage of Hoosiers who are in trouble," Zoeller said.

Solicitor General of Indiana and Deputy AG, Tom Fisher says he will be a watchdog for increased consumer fraud.

"I think there's the concern that hard economic times bring out the worst in some of the businesses that maybe want to prey on others. So our antenna are up in an uncertain environment like this where you have concerns about mortgage fraud," Fisher said.

Zoeller will officially get sworn in on Monday along with Governor Mitch Daniels.