Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced on Thursday an investigation into fraudulent charity scams targeting flood relief donations.
Scammers allegedly impersonated legitimate organizations to steal funds meant for victims of the devastating Texas Hill Country floods.
“It is sick and disgusting that people would use the tragedy of the devastating floods to enrich themselves by deceiving well-meaning people trying to help,” Paxton said in a press release. “I will use the full weight of my office to investigate these claims and hold bad actors responsible.”
The Center Point Volunteer Fire Department (CPVFD) became a primary target for scammers after its station was destroyed by floodwaters. While CPVFD crews conducted search and rescue operations, fraudsters created fake payment platforms mimicking the department’s legitimate donation channels.
The fire department, a registered 501(c)(3) organization, sought donations to continue emergency operations. Bad actors exploited the department’s urgent need by redirecting charitable contributions to personal accounts.
Paxton urged Texans to verify charities through established watchdog groups, such as CharityWatch and GuideStar. His office warned against wire transfers and sharing personal financial information with unsolicited contacts.
Scammers often use spoofed phone numbers and fake names to appear legitimate. Text message solicitations, commonly referred to as “smishing,” have become increasingly prevalent in disaster-related fraud schemes.
The Attorney General’s Office provided several protective measures for potential donors. Texans can register with the state and federal Do Not Call lists to reduce the number of fraudulent solicitations.
“Please continue to pray for those affected by this tragedy and report any scams to my office,” Paxton added.
Suspected fraud should be reported to the Consumer Protection Division at 1-800-621-0508 or online. The Attorney General’s website offers additional guidance on safe charitable giving practices.