LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY)-- The Office of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has warned Texans that scammers are looking to take advantage of flood victims after the devastating rains that recently hit the Texas Hill Country.

Meanwhile, scammers are also looking to take advantage of those hoping to help.

Kathryn Mobley, CEO of the Better Business Bureau of Acadiana, said donors should be cautious of disaster relief donation scams.

“You think you're donating to the Texas floods to help people," Mobley said. "And it's not. They just took your money.”

Scammers pose as nonprofits, create their own fake charities and send "donation" links that lead to scammer sites.

"They can create this fake portal," Mobley said. "Then you give your money to a scammer instead of a nonprofit that you thought you were doing good for."

To make monetary donations safely, Mobley said you can go to give.org to see if a charity or nonprofit organization is BBB accredited.

“You have to also check which supplies that nonprofit will take," Mobley said. "Some certain nonprofits will have things that they may take versus other ones.”

How to avoid disaster relief donation scams:

• Don't rush. Beware of emails, text messages or social media posts with sentimental pleas for money. Think before donating.
• Research before you give. Donate through local trustworthy organizations or find BBB accredited nonprofits and charities.
• Don't provide personal information. Scammers offer disaster assistance to further take advantage of victims. Contact the agency yourself for help.

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