Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is warning residents to be on alert for scammers targeting flood victims in the wake of catastrophic weather that devastated 21 counties across the state.
The consumer alert, issued on Monday, follows Gov. Greg Abbott’s disaster declaration and outlines a common pattern seen after natural disasters: fraudsters posing as contractors or relief workers to exploit vulnerable Texans during the recovery process.
“There are no words for how wrong it is that morally bankrupt people are trying to take advantage of Texans by using this tragedy to scam them,” Paxton said. “Anyone engaging in these scams will face the full force of the law, and I will not rest until they are brought to justice.”
Paxton urged particular caution with out-of-town contractors offering rebuilding services. Scammers often demand upfront payments for repairs they never complete.
The Attorney General’s Office recommends that residents:
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Ask for references
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Check contractor reputations through the Better Business Bureau
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Avoid rushing into contracts without verifying legitimacy
In addition to contractor scams, price gouging is prohibited under state law during a declared disaster. Vendors are prohibited from charging excessive prices for essential goods and services, including food, fuel, and shelter, during and after the crisis.
Gov. Abbott’s disaster declaration covers the following counties:
Bandera, Bexar, Burnet, Caldwell, Coke, Comal, Concho, Gillespie, Guadalupe, Kendall, Kerr, Kimble, Llano, Mason, McCulloch, Menard, Reeves, San Saba, Tom Green, Travis, and Williamson.
“I will continue to work to defend those impacted by this tragedy and also urge everyone to join me in praying for those affected by this terrible natural disaster,” Paxton added.
Residents who suspect fraud or price gouging can file a report with the Attorney General’s Office by calling 1-800-621-0508 or submitting a complaint online through the agency’s consumer protection site.
