Authored by Jack Phillips via The Epoch Times (emphasis ours),
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton issued a warning about scammers targeting victims of the recent flooding in central Texas, a disaster that has claimed the lives of over 100 people.
“There are no words for how wrong it is that morally bankrupt people are trying to take advantage of Texans by using this tragedy to scam them,” Paxton stated in a consumer alert issued on Monday.
His office urged caution to those affected by the storms and flooding, warning them to be wary of individuals offering assistance in rebuilding or reconstruction.
The scams often involve contractors who fail to deliver promised services after being hired following a disaster.
“Flood victims are reminded to be wary of contractors from out of the area, don’t rush into signing a contract, ask for references, and check with the Better Business Bureau to ensure they’re working with a trustworthy business,” the consumer alert emphasized.
Reports from Kerrville City Manager Dalton Rice revealed that some families of victims have been targeted by scammers issuing ransom threats, claiming to have their missing children.
In Kerr County, where numerous fatalities were reported, the search for missing individuals continues, with Camp Mystic still unaccounted for ten girls and a counselor.
The National Weather Service had issued a flash-flood warning before the disaster struck, but the extent of the devastation was overwhelming.
President Donald Trump declared a major disaster in the area, authorizing FEMA to provide aid.
There has been controversy surrounding the NWS response to the storm, with Senator Chuck Schumer calling for an investigation into alleged staffing shortages at local NWS offices.
Gov. Greg Abbott confirmed that many individuals remain unaccounted for, intensifying the ongoing search and rescue efforts across the state.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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