Mercer County Sheriff Warns of Scams for Aid to Texas Flood Victims
KERR COUNTY, TEXAS, JUL 8 – Scammers impersonated the fire department's Venmo account amid flood relief efforts after 90 deaths, prompting warnings to verify charity accounts before donating, officials said.
- On July 8, 2025, Sheriff Jack Kemler of Mercer County alerted the public to be cautious of scams targeting victims of the devastating Central Texas floods.
- This alert comes after devastating floods that have resulted in over 100 fatalities, including numerous young attendees and staff members from Camp Mystic, and has led authorities to warn local residents about potential fraud schemes.
- Scammers use phone calls, emails, texts, mail, and door-to-door solicitations to deceive impacted residents, often posing as organizations aiding flood victims or emergency contractors.
- Attorney General Ken Paxton warned that those who attempt to exploit Texans through fraudulent schemes will be prosecuted to the fullest extent, and he encouraged individuals to verify the legitimacy of charities and seek references before making donations or hiring contractors.
- Authorities urge donations only to established charities, caution against cash or wire transfers, and recommend reporting suspected fraud to the Justice Department’s National Center for Disaster Fraud via 866-720-5721.
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