New York Attorney General Letitia James is warning residents to exercise caution before donating to flood relief efforts for the victims of the devastating flash floods that struck central Texas over the July 4th weekend. While the tragedy has prompted an outpouring of generosity, James says scammers may try to exploit the situation for personal gain.
“My heart breaks for the Camp Mystic families and all Texans impacted by this devastating flash flooding,” said James in a July 9 statement. “As New Yorkers seek to support relief efforts, I urge them to be careful of scams and make sure they give to trustworthy organizations.”
Red flags for flood donation fraud
The Attorney General’s Office issued a list of tips to help New Yorkers avoid being duped by fraudulent fundraisers:
- Verify who’s asking: If you receive a donation request by email, investigate the sender. Don’t click links or provide personal or payment information unless you confirm the legitimacy of the charity.
- Scrutinize social media fundraisers: Fundraising campaigns on platforms like GoFundMe or Facebook may not be vetted. Only donate to campaigns organized by people you know and trust.
- Stick with known charities: Donate to well-established organizations or check resources like DisasterPhilanthropy.org to find vetted relief groups.
- Ask questions: Learn how your money will be used, what services are being provided, and how much of the budget supports actual relief efforts.
- Avoid giving cash: Use checks or secure online payment methods directly through the charity’s official website.
- Beware of new groups: Be cautious with newly formed charities that may lack the infrastructure to carry out promised services—or worse, are entirely fraudulent.
- Verify text-to-give campaigns: Don’t assume text donation requests are valid. Check the charity’s website or call them directly to confirm.
- Protect your data: Never share credit card or personal details unless you’re sure the donation channel is legitimate and secure.
How to report a suspected scam
If you believe you’ve encountered a scam or suspicious organization claiming to collect flood relief funds, you can file a complaint with the New York Attorney General’s Charities Bureau or call 212-416-8401.
The guidance comes in response to widespread damage in central Texas, where flash floods disrupted the lives of families and forced emergency evacuations. Relief efforts are ongoing, with legitimate organizations mobilizing to deliver aid.
Attorney General James emphasized that while the public’s willingness to help is commendable, it’s equally important to remain vigilant against those who exploit disaster-driven generosity.
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