ICYMI: Following a 22-city, 3,400-mile statewide tour in which he and his team went to over 800 doors, Attorney General Todd Rokita takes action on several contractors, businesses following severe storms
AG Rokita announced four lawsuits against out-of-state tree services and two civil investigative demands targeting alleged price-gouging and unlicensed work
Attorney General Todd Rokita recently announced he is taking swift action against multiple contractors and businesses in Lake County following the severe Aug. 11 storms that left damage across the state. This occurred after he personally went door-to-door in every county impacted by the storm.
“We’ve seen the worst of nature over the last few weeks, but we’ve also seen the best of people. We’ve seen local leaders, churches, volunteers and neighbors stepping up to help neighbors,” said Attorney General Rokita. “On that negative side of the ledger, we’ve seen fraudsters trying to take advantage of other people’s distress. I’ve directed my team to move very quickly so we can help those who have been harmed and work to stop others who may be potential victims. This is just the beginning, and my office will continue investigating these bad actors to protect consumers.”
Actions announced include:
Lawsuit against Garrison McKinney Tree and Bridge Services LLC: An out-of-state tree-removal company that moved into Northwest Indiana after the storms. Allegations include lacking authority to operate there and lacking required contractor licenses, charging excessive and unconscionable prices during an emergency (including $35,000 to remove two trees), and using contracts that violated Indiana law and left out basic protections. The lawsuit alleges violations of the Indiana Deceptive Consumer Sales Act and the Indiana Home Improvement Contracts Act and seeks restitution, civil penalties, costs, and injunctive relief.
Lawsuit against TimberCut Tree Experts, LLC (Georgia-based): Performed post-storm tree-removal work without the required town license, even as their truck advertised “Licensed & Insured.” Alleged violations of the Indiana Deceptive Consumer Sales Act for misrepresenting licensure and doing unauthorized work during a declared emergency. Seeking restitution, civil penalties, and injunctive relief.
Lawsuit against Shade Tree Service Co. (Missouri-based): Photographs show them working without local authorization. Alleged the same kind of unlicensed work during an emergency under the Indiana Deceptive Consumer Sales Act. Seeking restitution, civil penalties, and injunctive relief.
Lawsuit against Storm Support Emergency Tree Removal, LLC and David Foster: An out-of-state tree removal company owned by David Foster that contracted with multiple Hoosiers to take down storm-damaged trees, in some cases without the required license. Before anyone signed, the owner would not give estimates or discuss price. The pitch was that they would work with people’s insurance. Consumers then signed contracts that violated Indiana law and included a pricing model that had never been disclosed. When the work was done, the invoices were thousands of dollars higher than expected — and far beyond what insurance would cover. The lawsuit alleges violations of the Indiana Deceptive Consumer Sales Act and the Indiana Home Improvement Contracts Act and seeks restitution, civil penalties, injunctive relief, and costs.
Civil Investigative Demands (CIDs):
To the Baymont by Wyndham in Merrillville, where people displaced by the storm turned for a place to stay: Seeking records on allegations that the hotel failed to provide basic items reasonably expected during a stay like blankets, pillows, towels, charged guests for uninhabitable rooms, and raised rates during a declared emergency. One guest who had been driven from their home asked to cancel and get a refund, only to be told the policy required 48 hours’ notice. They said they had to go to Target for their own blankets and towels. The CID will help determine whether that conduct violated the Deceptive Consumer Sales Act.
To High Canopy LLC: Among other concerns, the company appears to have operated without a Griffith license, used a contract that violates the Home Improvement Contracts Act, and charged fees that look excessive for the work and the hours involved.
Attorney General Rokita said these are the actions being taken so far, and more is coming soon.
Protect yourself when choosing a contractor
Disaster recoveries often attract unscrupulous operators. Under Indiana law and longstanding consumer-protection guidance from the Attorney General’s Office, Hoosiers should take the following steps to help protect themselves:
Obtain multiple written estimates.
Verify that any contractor is properly licensed and insured.
Avoid large upfront payment. (A reasonable deposit is acceptable, but an expectation of full payment before work begins is a red flag.)
Require a written contract detailing the scope of work, materials, timeline, total cost and payment schedule.
Use a credit card for payments when possible, rather than cash or checks, as it provides stronger consumer protections.
Be wary of high-pressure tactics, door-to-door solicitations, “today-only” offers or anyone requesting that insurance or FEMA proceeds be signed over.
Consumers who encounter suspected scams, unlicensed contractors or deceptive practices should contact the Indiana Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division.
