As Texans rally together to support communities devastated by the recent flooding, Attorney General Ken Paxton has issued a consumer alert to help ensure that charitable donations reach those truly in need. The alert comes as reports grow of scammers trying to take advantage of the tragedy to line their own pockets.
Unfortunately, disasters like these often bring out the worst in people. While many are offering genuine help, there are always those who exploit heartbreaking situations for personal gain. These individuals prey on the generosity of others, setting up fake charities, using phony names, and sending deceptive messages in hopes of stealing money from well-meaning donors. It’s a shameful act—and one that can slow down real relief efforts and hurt the very communities these donations are meant to help.
Texans who want to donate money or services to support flood victims are urged to follow these precautions to avoid falling victim to fraud:
Tips to Give Wisely and Avoid Scams:
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Don’t wire money or provide financial information like bank account numbers, credit card details, or your Social Security number to unsolicited callers or messages.
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Use trusted charity verification tools such as:
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CharityWatch: A watchdog group that helps donors determine the trustworthiness of nonprofits.
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GuideStar: A database providing verified information on millions of IRS-recognized charities.
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Be skeptical of names and phone numbers—scammers often spoof caller IDs and use names similar to real organizations to trick people.
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Avoid responding to donation requests via text or social media, especially if they include suspicious links or pressure to give quickly.
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Protect your phone number by registering with both the Texas Do Not Call Registry (or call 1-888-309-0600) and the National Do Not Call Registry (or call 1-888-382-1222).
For more guidance on smart charitable giving, the Texas Attorney General’s website offers detailed resources to help donors make safe and informed choices. If you suspect you’ve encountered a fraudulent charity or scam, report it to the Texas Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division by calling 1-800-621-0508 or filing an online complaint here.
Texans have always stood together in times of need. By staying cautious and informed, we can make sure our donations go where they’re truly needed—and keep bad actors from turning tragedy into opportunity.
