Texas flood: Cyber experts warn of disaster-related schemes after deadly flooding in Kerr County
Share this @internewscast.com

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Following the devastating floods in Central Texas, cybercriminals are quickly moving to take advantage of people’s generosity.

The National Cybersecurity Alliance is advising the public to remain vigilant against deceitful disaster-related emails, text messages, and websites that typically surface after such events.

These scams prey on people’s emotions and their desire to help others, according to experts.

Fraudsters sometimes employ genuine photos of victims to launch bogus fundraising efforts, and others develop websites imitating popular charitable organizations. Without thorough scrutiny of these sites’ authenticity, individuals might unknowingly contribute to scams.

Leah Napoliello, vice president of the Better Business Bureau of Greater Houston and South Texas, shared the following guidance with Eyewitness News.

“They prey on people’s emotions,” Napoliello said. “They will be very long on emotions but short on actual facts. If you were to ask questions about how they’re helping with relief and recovery, they wouldn’t be able to provide much information. A legitimate charity would be able to provide that information to you.”

She also warned that high-pressure tactics are a common red flag, especially if you’re urged to donate on the spot or send money via gift card.

Victims of these scams are urged to report the fraud to the Federal Trade Commission or the IRS to help prevent further incidents.

For updates on this story, follow Briana Conner on Facebook, X and Instagram.

Copyright © 2025 KTRK-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
4 arrested in alleged Border Patrol operation sabotage attempt near LA as attacks on immigration agents surge

Four Arrested in Alleged Sabotage Attempt of Border Patrol Operation Near LA Amid Rise in Attacks on Immigration Agents

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the arrest of four individuals…
Austin, Texas fire chief accused of refusing to send rescue team to flood zone over $800K dispute

Austin Fire Chief Allegedly Declines to Dispatch Rescue Crew to Flooded Area Due to an $800K Financial Conflict

The fire chief of Austin, Texas, is under scrutiny for allegedly refusing…
Deborah Wesley seeks Jacksonville council seat

Deborah Wesley Announces Candidacy for Jacksonville Council Seat

Deborah Wesley, a Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office commander, enters the race for a…
Mariners’ Cal Raleigh belts league-leading 36th homer to stay two ahead of Aaron Judge

Cal Raleigh of the Mariners Hits 36th Homer, Maintaining Lead Over Aaron Judge

The only MLB player with more home runs than Aaron Judge this…
More than 12,500 customers affected by power outages in Jacksonville area Wednesday

Over 12,500 Jacksonville Residents Experience Power Outages on Wednesday

JEA said the outages were due to the weather, mostly lightning strikes.…
Close-up of Powerball lottery tickets with Quick Pick selections.

Woman Allegedly Prints 800 Lottery Tickets for Free and Wins Nearly $3,000

A GAS station employee has been charged with generating hundreds of lottery…
House swept away as flash flooding hits mountain village in New Mexico

Flash Floods in New Mexico Mountain Village Cause House to Be Swept Away

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — People found themselves trapped in their homes…
President Donald Trump speaking at a podium.

Listen to the Shocking Moment Trump Threatens to ‘Bomb Moscow and Beijing’ – and Putin’s Unbelievable Reaction

THIS is the shocking moment President Donald Trump threatens to “bomb the…
X CEO Linda Yaccarino resigns after 2 years at the helm of Elon Musk's social media platform

Linda Yaccarino Steps Down as CEO After Two Years Leading Elon Musk’s Social Media Platform

NEW YORK — X CEO Linda Yaccarino said she’s stepping down after…
ICE agents targeted in 2 ambush attacks in recent days

ICE Agents Face Two Recent Ambush Attacks

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents and other federal law enforcement…
Explosion in Russia's Kursk border region.

Russia Unleashes Unprecedented Attack on Ukraine with 728 Drones and Hypersonic Missiles After Trump’s Criticism of Putin

NATO dispatched warplanes overnight in response to Vladimir Putin launching hypersonic missiles…
Eric Adams' NYC mayoral election chances are under water: poll

Poll Shows Eric Adams’ Chances in NYC Mayoral Election Dwindling

He’s struggling to stay afloat. According to a new poll conducted by…