**Fraudsters Target Flood Relief Donations as Texans Rally Together**
In a disturbing twist during a time of crisis, scammers have begun preying on generous Texans hoping to assist victims of the recent floods that devastated Hill Country.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced an aggressive investigation into these fraudulent charity operations, which are impersonating legitimate organizations to steal much-needed donations.
“The audacity of these individuals to exploit a disaster is both sickening and unacceptable,” Paxton stated. “My office will utilize every available resource to ensure these fraudsters are held accountable.”
One of the primary targets for these deceitful schemes is the Center Point Volunteer Fire Department (CPVFD), which lost its station to flooding. As the brave men and women of CPVFD conducted rescue operations, scammers exploited their urgent need for funds by creating fake donation channels to divert money into personal accounts.
The need for vigilance is crucial, as Paxton advises Texans to thoroughly vet charities through reputable watchdog organizations like CharityWatch and GuideStar. In his press release, he emphasized the dangers of wire transfers and encouraged potential donors to avoid sharing personal financial information with unsolicited contacts.
“It’s imperative for Texans to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity,” Paxton urged. “Scammers are increasingly using fake names and spoofed numbers to impersonate trustworthy charities.”
In light of recent disasters, concerns over scams are rising, prompting the Texas AG to remind citizens of protective measures such as registering for state and federal Do Not Call lists.
While the fraudsters attempt to capitalize on tragedy, the resilient spirit of Texans shines through as they rally together to support those affected. Awareness is the first step in combatting these criminals, ensuring that donations reach the rightful victims instead of greedy hands.
For anyone facing solicitations, Paxton urges you to report suspected scams to the Consumer Protection Division at 1-800-621-0508. Together, Texas can maintain the integrity of charitable giving even in the face of adversity.
Sources:
dallasexpress.comjustthenews.comnbcnews.com