After storm damage, slow the sale down.
Indiana has experienced significant severe weather and flooding in 2026. State and federal officials warn that disasters attract fake contractors, government impersonators, and bogus charities. The free phone line at 1-888-985-6187 is an AI guide, not FEMA, a contractor regulator, an insurer, or emergency service.
Five reasons to stop before signing
- Someone promises FEMA will pay for the job. FEMA does not endorse a contractor, charge an application fee, or promise an award at your door. Apply through an official government channel yourself.
- They want the full price or a large deposit now. The Indiana Attorney General advises against paying the entire project before work begins and says remaining payments should be tied to completed work.
- There is no detailed written contract. Indiana’s Attorney General says home-improvement contracts over $150 must be in writing and should include price, payment schedule, work and materials, dates, contractor identity, and signatures.
- They want insurance paperwork signed immediately. Call your insurer on a number you find independently before assigning benefits or authorizing repairs.
- A charity demands cash, gift cards, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency. Verify the organization independently and donate only through a site or number you locate yourself.
The safe order
Photograph the damage. Contact your insurer. Check whether your county has an official damage-reporting or assistance process. Get multiple written estimates, verify references and appropriate credentials, read the full contract, and connect later payments to completed work. If someone is pressuring you right now, stop the conversation and involve a trusted person before paying.
Use official sources
- Indiana Department of Homeland Security: scams after disasters
- Indiana disaster declarations and damage reporting
- Indiana Attorney General Consumer Protection Division — 1-800-382-5516
- DisasterAssistance.gov — official federal assistance portal
- Suspected federal disaster fraud — 1-866-720-5721
What Protect Indiana’s free tools can and cannot do
The AI guide can point out common warning signs and send you to the right official office. It can be wrong. It cannot check a contractor’s license, insurance, FEMA help, or whether you will get money back. The free email check looks only at the breach lists we use. It cannot check a contractor or prove how a scammer found you.
See the first-hour fraud steps All free help →
Reviewed August 20, 2026 against Indiana Department of Homeland Security, Indiana Attorney General, and FEMA guidance. Conditions and assistance programs change; use the official links above.