Natural disasters and severe weather can create opportunities for fraud, according to the United States Attorney’s Office of the Western District of Texas.
SAN ANTONIO — Scammers and fraudsters are trying to profit from the catastrophic flooding in Central Texas, which has killed over 70 people, according to the United States Attorney’s Office of the Western District of Texas on Monday.
The office said natural disasters and severe weather can create opportunities for fraud, especially at times when people are vulnerable, targeting charitable intentions.
“Scammers are known to carry out a variety of fraud schemes, targeting those in the affected communities,” the office said. “These methods include using phone, text, mail, email, and even going door to door to target residents impacted by damaging storms.”
If you think you have been scammed, submit a report to the Justice Department’s National Center for Disaster Fraud at 866-720-5721 or www.justice.gov/disastercomplaintform.
To learn how to donate safely and avoid scams, go to the Federal Trade Commission’s Consumer Advice webpage.
To report disaster-related complaints, contact your local FBI field office by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324).
“For more information on common charity and disaster fraud schemes, visit FBI.gov/how-we-can-help-you,” the office said.