AUSTIN, Texas — In the wake of devastating floods in Hill Country, a wave of support from notable musicians, including George Strait, has emerged to aid the affected families through various fundraisers. However, state officials have issued warnings that not all donations intended for victims are making it to the right hands.
One local resident, who prefers to remain anonymous, experienced this firsthand with a shocking $10,000 donation intended for flood relief that unfortunately fell into the wrong hands. He expressed his distress upon realizing he inadvertently supported a scam. His wife discovered a Facebook post about George Strait’s upcoming fundraiser in Boerne, which claimed to raise funds for flood victims.
Determined to contribute ethically, the couple conducted thorough checks, including visiting George Strait’s official website to verify details. While the content seemed legitimate, a minor typo—just one letter off in the email address—led them to communicate with a scammer. They ended up sending the significant donation for tickets to the “Strait to the Heart” event set for July 27, believing they were helping the Kerrville and Kerr County community.
In response to such fraudulent activities, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has received reports of scams preying on individuals’ goodwill during this crisis. He has initiated an investigation into these fraudulent charity schemes and advised potential donors to exercise caution: avoid wiring money, refrain from giving out personal information, and consult resources like CharityWatch and GuideStar to verify the legitimacy of charitable organizations.
The anonymous donor hopes that by sharing his experience, he can prevent others from falling victim to similar scams. He stated, “I know I won’t get any money back. I do this to spare others the same heartbreak I faced.”
This unfortunate incident underscores the necessity for vigilance when donating to support disaster relief efforts. While the generosity of individuals and organizations is crucial during times of crisis, it is equally important to ensure that contributions are directed to trustworthy sources. By remaining cautious and informed, we can collectively bolster the support for those in need while minimizing the risk of fraud.