ISP warns those affected by tornadoes of scams

PUTNAMVILLE, Ind. (WISH) — As victims from Friday’s storms continue to sort through the wreckage, the Indiana State Police and the National Insurance Crime Bureau want to warn of possible scams from contractors.

Both ISP and the National Insurance Crime Bureau said in a statement that they want those impacted by the Sullivan County tornado and in other areas across Indiana to receive legitimate information from contractors for cleanup and repair.

The National Insurance Crime Bureau provided tips to avoid disaster fraud:

• Get more than one estimate. Never let a contractor pressure you into hiring them.
• Work only with licensed and insured contractors.
• Demand references and check them.
• Ask to see the salesperson’s driver’s license and write down the driver’s license number and their vehicle’s license plate number.
• Get a contract in writing. This should include cost, time schedules, payment schedules, guarantees, work to be done, and other expectations that should be detailed.
• Never sign a contract with blanks as these could be filled in later without your knowledge.
• Never pay a contractor in full or sign a completion certificate until the work is done and ensure reconstruction is up to current code.

Those who suspect contractor fraud should contact their insurer, state or local law enforcement, and the National Insurance Crime Bureau (1-800-TEL-NICB).

ISP also warns of theft and looting in the affected areas. Any suspicious activity should be reported to local law enforcement or the Indiana State Police at 765-653-4114.