Richardson Residents Advised to Verify Charities Amid Flood Relief Donations

In light of the recent flooding in Texas, officials are advising residents of Richardson to exercise caution when donating to relief efforts. The office of the Texas Attorney General has released a consumer alert highlighting the risk of charity scams that often arise during such disasters.

Scammers may impersonate charities or use names that closely resemble legitimate organizations. To ensure safe giving, the office suggests several precautionary steps. Donors should research unfamiliar charities using resources like CharityWatch and GuideStar.

It is also important to verify that organizations are properly registered and to be wary of names that are similar to well-known charities. Individuals are advised against wiring money to unknown entities and should refrain from sharing sensitive information such as bank account details or Social Security numbers with unsolicited callers.

If individuals suspect they have encountered a scam or experience price gouging, they can report it by calling the consumer complaint line or submitting a complaint through the Attorney General's website.