In the wake of catastrophic flooding in Central Texas that left more than 125 people dead and dozens missing, federal and state officials have warned residents and donors about a surge in disaster-related scams designed to exploit vulnerable families and charitable givers.
“Texas survivors should be aware that con artists and criminals may try to obtain money or steal personal information through fraud after the storms and flooding that began July 2,” a press release from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) said.
Newsweek has reached out to Kerrville officials via email Monday for more information on scams.
Why It Matters
The devastating floods that struck Central Texas, hitting Kerr County and nearby areas, not only led to significant loss of life and ongoing search and rescue operations, but also created an environment ripe for fraud and scams.
Spikes in criminal activity surrounding disasters often revictimizes survivors as well as diverts much-needed funds away from legitimate recovery operations.
What To Know
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), alongside state authorities and consumer advocates, issued a press release Monday urging caution as reports surfaced of fraudulent calls and fake charities targeting flood victims and supporters of relief efforts.
Law enforcement and consumer watchdogs are calling for vigilance as the community recovers from the disaster, with scam artists seeking to capitalize on heightened emotions and confusion.
Authorities in Texas reported multiple types of scams emerging in the days after the floods including identity theft and fraud.
“In some cases, thieves try to apply for FEMA assistance using names, addresses and Social Security numbers they have stolen from survivors,” the FEMA press release said.
Families grappling with the uncertainty of missing loved ones received cold calls demanding money for information that did not exist, according to Kerrville City Manager Dalton Rice, said during a press conference last week.
“Families of victims are receiving fraudulent ransom calls demanding money in exchange for nonexistent information about their loved ones,” Rice explained during the press conference, NBC DFW has reported.
At the same time, charitable donors have been targeted by fraud and misleading fundraising appeals.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton issued a statement emphasizing the importance of verifying contact information, including phone numbers and websites, before making any donations, warning that scam artists are using sophisticated methods to manipulate caller ID and other identifying details.
James E. Lee, President of the Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC) told NBC 5 that scammers seize the opportunity following these kinds of disasters.
“They count on our emotions to drive us to take some sort of action and do it quickly without thinking,” Lee told the outlet.
Lee suggested only using verified payment methods and reporting any suspicious activity to local law enforcement or consumer protection agencies.
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) has also encouraged donors to choose charities with longstanding community engagement and transparent operations.
What People Are Saying
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) said in a press release Monday: “If a FEMA inspector contacts you or comes to your home and you did not submit a FEMA application, your information may have been used without your knowledge to create a FEMA application. If so, inform the inspector that you did not apply for FEMA assistance. The inspector will request a stop to the processing of your application.”
What Happens Next
Texas authorities have pledged continued efforts to warn residents and donors against scams in the aftermath of the floods.
Law enforcement agencies are investigating reported fraud cases.
The state government says it will work with federal partners, including FEMA, to review communications protocols and ensure disaster relief reaches those in genuine need, even as search and recovery operations continue in affected areas.
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