Warnings Issued for South Dakotans About Texas Flood Donation Scams

Tragedies like the recent deadly flooding in Central Texas bring out the best and the worst of humanity.

The Best

For the past couple of days, we have heard numerous stories of courageous survivors and first responders, as well as reports of the incredible generosity of organizations, businesses, and ordinary people who are helping to fund the recovery and rebuilding efforts.

The Worst

But some use times like these to take advantage of people when they are at their most vulnerable.

Important Reminder

That's prompted Attorney General Marty Jackley to issue a warning to South Dakotans to be vigilant about money donation scams for relief efforts stemming from the Texas flash floods.

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The Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division recommends that citizens who are asked to donate consider these tips:

• Only give money to a legitimate relief organization
• Organizations, including government agencies, do not ask for money by telephone or online.
• Do not click on pop-up messages that appear on computers or text messages on telephones from unknown sources.
• Talk to someone you can trust before you provide money or personal information to someone who contacts you.
• Check and double-check email addresses if they are asking you to send money.
• If the caller represents a business or government agency, don’t trust the telephone number they give you. Hang up and call the organization’s office.
• Treat calls or emails demanding immediate action with suspicion.
• Do not give in to high-pressure sales tactics.
• Do not provide financial or personal information over the phone or via the internet.

The Best Places to Donate

Among the legitimate places where you can go online to donate is the Kerr County (TX) Flood Relief Fund, which will 'support nonprofit organizations, first responder agencies, and local governments actively involved in response, relief, and recovery efforts.'

Another trustworthy organization for donations in times like these is the American Red Cross, which doesn't have a specific fundraising campaign for the Texas flooding, but a general fund to assist with all disaster relief.

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Questions or Concerns?

Consumers who have questions or who believe they may have been a victim of any type of scam should contact the Attorney General’s Office’s Consumer Protection Division at 1-800-300-1986 or online.