In the wake of the catastrophic floods sweeping through Texas, Attorney General Ken Paxton has stepped forward with a consumer alert, highlighting ways the public can ensure their charitable contributions are going to the right place. According to a news release from the Texas Attorney General's Office, potential donors are being advised to remain vigilant against fraudulent schemes and scam artists looking to capitalize on the tragedy.
"Unfortunately, there are some heinous individuals who are trying to use this tragedy to perpetrate scams and steal money from those wanting to help Texans impacted by this devastating flooding,"the Texas Attorney Genera's Office stated. The Texas Attorney General's office has laid out several key guidelines for safely donating to flood victims. Among the recommendations, Texans are encouraged to be skeptical of unknown individuals or organizations soliciting for donations, and to never wire money or reveal personal financial information to unverified sources.
Those looking to donate are urged to consult with well-known charity watchdogs like CharityWatch and GuideStar, which offer assessments and data on IRS-recognized nonprofits. Be wary of phone scams and fake names or phone numbers, which scammers frequently use to mask their true identity. Additionally, Paxton emphasizes the importance of guarding against smishing, or SMS phishing, where text messages are used to trick individuals into handing over money or sensitive information, as detailed by the Texas Attorney General's Office.
Texans can protect themselves further by registering with both the Texas Do Not Call Registry and the National Do Not Call Registry, to reduce the likelihood of receiving unsolicited calls. These steps are simple but crucial in ensuring that support reaches those truly in need, and not the pockets of opportunists. To report any suspected fraudulent activity or to gain more insight on safe charitable giving, individuals can contact the Texas Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division or visit the Attorney General’s website for additional guidance.
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