AG Ken Paxton warns of scammers amid flurry of donations for Texas flooding victims

AUSTIN, Texas — After deadly floods swept through Central Texas, donations from around the country have been pouring into the region. As good-hearted donors give back to the devastated communities, Texas officials are asking that people remain vigilant and avoid scammers.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton issued a consumer alert Monday, warning Texans that scammers will likely try to capitalize on the tragedy.

“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, Pacton 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.”

The attorney general also asked that flooding victims be aware of contractors who fail to perform the work they’re paid to do. In a release, Paxton encouraged those affected by the floods to be wary of out-of-town contractors, not to be rushed into a contract, and to ask for references

WFAA has compiled a list of trusted sources people can donate to. You can find the full list of how to help Texas flooding victims here. Our station’s parent company, TEGNA, also announced the creation of the TEGNA Texas Flood Relief Fund. To support the ongoing and long-term response to the flash flooding, click here.