Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has issued a consumer alert, warning residents to guard against scams, fraudulent charities, and price gouging tied to ongoing flooding across the state.
Paxton urged Texans to remain alert as communities continue to reel from severe weather and as additional storms remain possible.
“My heart breaks for the victims whose lives have been lost and every Texan who has been affected by the devastating flooding we’re seeing, and I will not allow scammers and bad actors to price gouge as the storms continue to impact our communities. Unfortunately, bad actors often try to take advantage in difficult times by operating fake charities, running donation scams, and price gouging,” Paxton stated.
“Let me be clear: it is illegal for a business or individual to price gouge and unreasonably raise the cost of goods during a declared disaster. My office will work to ensure that Texans are not taken advantage of. Anyone who believes they have encountered price gouging or a scam is encouraged to call my office’s toll-free complaint line at (800) 621-0508 or file a complaint online at https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/consumer-protection.”
The attorney general’s office pointed Texans who wish to donate money or provide services toward several practices intended to help ensure their contributions reach legitimate organizations.
The office recommended checking charity watchdog resources such as CharityWatch, formerly known as The American Institute of Philanthropy, and GuideStar, which compiles data on millions of IRS-recognized nonprofits.
Paxton’s office also cautioned donors not to wire money or share financial or personal information, including bank account, credit card, or Social Security numbers. Officials warned that scammers frequently use fake names and phone numbers to disguise their identity and area code and said a caller’s name or number should not be trusted on its own.
Texans can also add their phone numbers to the Texas Do Not Call Registry at www.TexasNoCall.com or by calling 1-888-309-0600, and to the National Do Not Call Registry at www.donotcall.gov or by calling 1-888-382-1222.
The AG’s office also maintains a webpage highlighting tips on donations and precautions to consider when responding to internet and social media solicitations.
Suspected fraud or price gouging can be reported to the Consumer Protection Division of the Office of the Attorney General by calling 1-800-621-0508 or by filing an online complaint through the agency’s website.
Provided by Dallas Express
