Officials Warn of Scam Charities Following Central Texas Flooding

As Central Texas communities recover from devastating floods, officials are sounding the alarm over a rise in donation scams. South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley and the Better Business Bureau are warning the public to stay vigilant when giving to charity.

Scammers are using the tragedy, particularly in hard-hit Kerr County, to exploit generous donors. Jessie Schmidt, Vice President of the Better Business Bureau South Dakota Region, urges donors to research charities before giving.

“Go to Give.org and see what we have rated them and what their history is,” Schmidt said. “New charities aren’t necessarily bad, but organizations with a proven track record are often a good place to start.”

The BBB recommends reputable organizations such as the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army. If you plan to donate goods rather than money, make sure they’re going to a verified distribution center. Otherwise, transportation costs could outweigh their value.

Crowdfunding sites like GoFundMe also pose risks. Schmidt cautions donors to only contribute if they personally know the individual or group running the fundraiser.

“We’ve seen fake crowdfunding campaigns or celebrities overwhelmed with resources they didn’t have the infrastructure to manage,” she said.

Disaster relief happens in phases, and officials say the real need may come weeks after media coverage fades. Schmidt suggests waiting a week or two to assess what local charities actually require during the long-term recovery.

Finally, if something feels off, report it to the BBB Scam Tracker to help prevent others from falling victim.

Credit: CNN Newsource
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