SAN DIEGO -- Grand jury indictments were handed down against a dozen people accused of taking advantage of firestorm victims, the District Attorney's Office announced Monday.

Two individuals have prior convictions for operating without a license, and one of them had just been placed on probation for the same crime days prior to the start of February's undercover operation, authorities said.

Another suspect is on parole and is a registered sex offender with a violent history, authorities said.

"With these indictments, we are sending a clear message: If you attempt to re-victimize homeowners of San Diego's wildfires, you will be caught and prosecuted," said District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis.

The grand jury indictments are the result of an ongoing sting operation that was conducted out of a house damaged by the Cedar Fire.

The San Diego County District Attorney's Office teamed up with the California Insurance Commission and Contractors State License Board on the investigation.

California Insurance Commissioner John Garamendi said people who take advantage of victims of fires or other disasters must be stopped.

"My department is committed to finding these fraudulent actors and ensuring that they are dealt with swiftly and to the fullest extent of the law," Garamendi said.

The district attorney warned all fire victims should: be wary of any contractor who initiates contact with them by means of a cold call, never pay in cash, always get at least three references and personally inspect a contractor's past work.

A county grand jury handed down the indictments last Friday.

Many people are still in the beginning stages of rebuilding. If you witness any suspicious activity, please call the San Diego District Attorney's Office fraud hotline phone number is (800) 315-7672.