Texas Flood Donation Scams: Click to Care, Not to Compromise

As we reflect on the recent catastrophic floods in Central Texas, it’s crucial to remember that each of us plays a significant role in supporting the affected communities. While the people of Texas are in dire need of our help, it’s equally important to be cautious about how we contribute, ensuring we don’t compromise our personal information in the process.

Cyber News Live examines the potential vulnerabilities associated with donating and guides you on how to protect yourself in the future.

The Evolution of Manipulation

In times of disaster, there are always people trying to take advantage of others. Back then, people would just pocket the money or resources and leave before someone caught on. In the modern age of technology, many of these tactics have evolved into scams and phishing schemes.

Digital Fraud Operations

As news coverage of the Texas flooding during the Independence Day weekend increases, it’s essential to be aware that threat actors are likely to exploit the disaster through scams and phishing attempts. These operations, often conducted through emails and text messages, can have a significant impact on individuals, deceiving them into clicking on a deceptive link or downloading malware that obtains sensitive data.

Recognizing Scam Tactics

A threat actor can sound very convincing without communicating in person. While you may not see their “tells” in person, there are specific techniques to spot cyber fraud. Here are some common signs to help avoid these social engineering attempts:

• High-pressure tactics – Urgent pleas, such as “Donate now or lives will be lost!” are designed to rush you.
• Unfamiliar or imitation names – Slight variations of real charities (e.g., “Red Cross Relief Fundz”).
• Requests for untraceable payments – Gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency are untraceable.
• No transparency – Vague descriptions of how donations are used.
• Unsolicited contact – Random emails, texts, or calls asking for donations.
• Poor grammar or spelling – Scam messages often contain errors or awkward phrasing.
• Fake websites or social media – Look-alike sites with suspicious URLs or minimal contact info.
• Thank-you messages for donations you didn’t make – A trick to build false trust.
• Emotional manipulation – Over-the-top stories designed to tug at your heartstrings without facts.

Keeping Yourself Secure

While these threat actors send out these messages to lure people into their trap, the success of the attempt depends on your engagement.  Here are some ways to keep yourself secure from these scams:

• Verify the charity – Use trusted sources.
• Donate directly – Visit the official website instead of clicking on links in messages.
• Use secure payment methods – Credit cards offer fraud protection; avoid cash or crypto.
• Check for HTTPS – Secure websites start with “https://” and have a padlock icon.
• Keep donation records – Save receipts and track your transactions.
• Avoid emotional impulse giving – Pause and research before donating.
• Search for reviews – Look up the charity’s name with words like “scam” or “complaint.”
• Don’t share personal info – Legit charities won’t ask for your SSN or banking details.
• Report suspicious activity – Use ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
• Trust your instincts – If something feels off, it probably is.

Conclusion

Cybercrimes don’t stop in the event of a disaster, whether it is natural or artificially made. Threat actors will exploit any vulnerability to achieve their goals, but that does not mean you cannot be compassionate. The motto “trust but verify” is something to keep in mind when offering support. By staying aware of these types of attempts, you can secure your information from those who try to manipulate you.

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By Bryant Pham, an intern at Cyber News Live, Prospective UMD Graduate Student.