Texas's Attorney General Ken Paxton has issued a stark warning against potential fraudulent crowdfunding campaigns, specifically targeting one Tray Coppola, who organized a GoFundMe campaign in the wake of devastating floods across the state. According to a statement from the Attorney General's Office, Coppola has been served with a warning letter accusing him of potentially scamming charitable Texans under the guise of flood relief.
In a statement from the Texas Attorney General's Office, Ken Paxton said, “Malicious schemes to swindle Americans who want to generously help our fellow Texans amidst this tragedy will be met with swift and forceful action from my office.” The office is currently investigating the legitimacy of Tray Coppola’s GoFundMe campaign, which was launched in response to recent flooding across the state. Officials aim to determine whether any fraudulent activity occurred and ensure that all donations were used appropriately.
Paxton's office has mandated Coppola to promptly cease his GoFundMe campaign and refund any collected donations. In the event of noncompliance, the Attorney General has asserted readiness to implement all available legal channels to safeguard the public, which includes claims for civil penalties and court-ordered injunctions. This serious legal notice also serves as a formal demand to preserve all relevant records and evidence linked to the crowdfunding campaign.
While GoFundMe remains a widely used fundraising platform, the Texas Attorney General's Office has noted an increase in its use for potentially fraudulent activity following disasters. In its recent statement, the office advised donors to perform due diligence before contributing, ensuring that donations go to legitimate recipients and are not misused.
The Texans, determined to support their neighbors in times of crisis, are encouraged by the Attorney General's Office to steer their generosity through verified and reputable channels. For additional tips and information on making safe charitable donations, the office advises visiting their official website. This comes as a preventative plan to shield the community in the wake of such scams, reaffirming the critical need for vigilance in charitable giving.
