Indiana Attorney General files lawsuits against ‘reprehensible’ storm contractors for scams
INDIANAPOLIS (WRTV) – The Indiana Attorney General’s Office is launching a series of lawsuits targeting contractors accused of taking advantage of severe storm victims.
“When you’re at your lowest emotionally, and you’re weary, that’s when the bad guys will be bad guys,” Republican Attorney General Todd Rokita said.
The Attorney General’s Office says its outreach team has visited more than 40 communities hit by severe weather in August, knocking on more than 750 doors and finding several examples of contractors operating without a license or using high-pressure sales tactics to charge extreme fees.
“It is reprehensible, what these people are doing,” Rokita said.
The state has filed four lawsuits against contractors that did work following recent rounds of severe weather that led to a statewide declared disaster emergency.
Rokita said in at least one case he’s considering whether to hand findings to prosecutors for criminal charges.
The companies are:
- Garrison McKinney Tree and Bridge Services.
- Shade Tree Service Co.
- Storm Support Emergency Tree Removal.
- TimberCut Tree Experts.
Garrison McKinney Tree and Bridge is accused of charging an elderly Lake County woman $35,000 for the removal of two trees. The contractor initially quoted $40,000 according to the AG’s Chief of Consumer Litigation, Corinne Gilchrist.
“She explained that this would wipe out her retirement. And he cut that price down to $35,000,” Gilchrist said. “But again, because of the high pressure, telling her she’s potentially putting neighbors at risk, putting others at the park near her home at risk, she felt pressured to act quickly (and pay).”
The state claims Garrison McKinney made people sign contracts that left out key consumer protections.
Rokita’s office said it found five potential victims from northern Indiana to Indianapolis who hired Storm Support Emergency Tree Removal. The company is accused of working without the required license, not disclosing estimates or rates, and charging thousands of dollars more than consumers expected.
Timbercut and Shade Tree Service are accused of doing tree removal work without a proper license.
“My goal is to chase them out of the state,” Rokita said.
The lawsuits seek injunctive relief, restitution, and civil penalties that could total $5,000 for each documented infraction.
The Attorney General’s Office has also issued two civil investigative demands, which are essentially subpoenas, against an additional contractor suspected of operating without a proper license and charging excessive prices, as well as a hotel being investigated for raising room rates during a declared emergency.
Rokita said described this round of legal filings as a “beginning”, saying more enforcement could come as his office vets additional complaints. “The potential is everywhere in the state. We were hit real hard.”
Hoosier who may have been the victim of a storm-related scam can contact the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division online or by calling 1-800-382-5516.
