08/14/2026
🚨 Avoid Scams After a Disaster 🚨
Following a storm, flood, or other disaster, scammers often move in quickly—posing as contractors, charities, government workers, insurance adjusters, or lenders.
As our communities work through cleanup and recovery, take a few extra minutes to protect yourself:
🔎 Verify before you hire or pay. Get contracts in writing, check that businesses are registered, ask for proof of insurance and references, and never feel pressured to make an immediate payment.
💰 Watch for red flags. Be cautious of unsolicited contractors, requests for cash or full payment up front, “discounts today only,” fake government representatives, questionable charities, and anyone promising to speed up an insurance claim.
📄 Know your rights. Indiana law requires home improvement contracts over $150 to be in writing, and consumers may have a right to cancel certain contracts.
📸 Keep your records. Save contracts, estimates, receipts, texts, photos, business cards, license plates, and other information if something doesn’t seem right.
⚠️ Already paid someone you suspect is a scammer? Act quickly. Stop further payments, contact your bank or card issuer, gather your documentation, and report the situation.
Please take a moment to review and share this Purdue Extension “Avoiding Scams After a Disaster” reference sheet with friends, family, neighbors, and anyone currently dealing with storm or flood damage.
A little caution now can help prevent a second disaster later. ❤️