- Scammers Exploit Texas Flood Disaster for Profit
What You Need to Know
Following the devastating flash floods in Central Texas—claiming over 120 lives and leaving many missing—fraudsters have swiftly stepped in to exploit the crisis. They’re launching fake charities and crowdfunding campaigns on social media and cloned websites, impersonating trusted relief organizations and even utility services. Some scammers pose as government representatives or contractors offering help, while others contact affected families pretending to offer tangible aid or financial assistance. Disturbingly, there are even reports of scammers contacting families of missing children, feigning to have information and demanding ransom money.
What You Should Do
Here’s how adults can protect themselves and their loved ones from post-disaster scams:
Verify before donating: Stick to well-known nonprofits with proven disaster relief records—such as the Red Cross, Salvation Army, and Austin Disaster Relief Network Statesman+1MySA+1.
Use official sources: Check organizations via CharityWatch, GuideStar, or the IRS to confirm they’re legitimate, and follow links provided by local governments or trusted nonprofits https://www.kbtx.com+2Statesman+2Houston Chronicle+2.
Be cautious with Crowdfunding: Only donate on platforms like GoFundMe if you personally know the campaign organizer and recipient. Report suspicious pages immediately Statesman.
Never share personal info online or over the phone: Legitimate groups won’t request your Social Security number, bank details, or demand payments via wire or gift cards Statesman+2Carefull+2apnews.com+2.
Watch for contractor fraud and imposter officials: Be skeptical of over-the-phone grant or repair offers. Always verify credentials through local agencies, request references, and insist on written contracts .
Report scams promptly: If you spot a fake charity or suspicious outreach, report it to the Texas Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division at 1‑800‑621‑0508 and file complaints online. The same goes for price gouging during disaster relief
Think you are being scammed? Call our scam hotline or email us for help:
(801)-724-6211
scamwatch@invisus.com
