INDIANAPOLIS (AP) _ Attorney General Greg Zoeller wants Indiana lawmakers to approve a state registry for home-remodeling contractors to boost consumer protections against would-be scammers.
Zoeller said Tuesday his office received more than 900 complaints last year about home repair and constructions scams. He says legislation that's part of a package of bills he'll push in 2015 would combat swindlers by creating a voluntary registry for home-improvement contractors.
That online registry would list only contractors who've posted performance bonds that can pay consumer claims related to disputed or shoddy work.
Zoeller says the proposed registry would help consumers do their homework before hiring someone to make home improvements or repairs.
Steve Baker of the Federal Trade Commission's Midwest office says the nation is “awash'' in fraud schemes targeting consumers.
