TEXAS, USA — Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton on Thursday announced an investigation into fraudulent charity scams in the wake of catastrophic floods in Central Texas over the July 4 weekend that left more than 130 dead and more than 100 missing.

Paxton said in a news release that his investigation is focused on scams in which bad actors use payment processors to collect donations under false pretenses. 

Specifically, Paxton’s office says in a news release that a scammers targeted the Center Point Volunteer Fire Department in hard-hit Kerr County, which continues to help with the response to the floods and lost their fire station in the flood waters. 

In that instance, the Center Point Volunteer Fire Department, a nonprofit, sought donations and scammers deceived consumers into transferring money to them instead of the department, Paxton said. 

“It is sick and disgusting that people would use the tragedy of the devastating floods to enrich themselves by deceiving well-meaning people trying to help,” said Paxton. “I will use the full weight of my office to investigate these claims and hold bad actors responsible. Please continue to pray for those affected by this tragedy and report any scams to my office.”  

People are asked to report suspected fraud to the Texas Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division by calling toll-free 1-800-621-0508 or by filing an online complaint here. 

The Texas Attorney General’s Office provided the following tips for people who wish to donate to the flood response efforts to avoid scams: