Attorney General Paxton Warns Texans of Disaster Scams

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton cautioned Texans to be aware of disaster scams in the wake of a disaster declaration in four North Texas counties, said a press release Monday. Governor Greg Abbott issued a disaster declaration for the counties of Dallas, Collin, Rockwall, and Ellis after an outbreak of tornadoes on Dec. 26.

"As our communities work to rebuild and recover from the storms, my office will work diligently to protect Texans from scams perpetrated by those who look to take advantage of our citizens in these unfortunate circumstances," Paxton stated. "The loss of lives as a result of these deadly storms is a tragedy for our state, and our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families."

According to state law, once the governor issues a declaration, vendors are prohibited from charging exorbitant prices for necessities such as drinking water, food, batteries, generators, towing, clothing, medicine, lodging, repair work, and fuel during and after the crisis.

The disaster declaration is only effective in the four named counties as of current. Under Texas consumer protection statutes, it is illegal for a person to take advantage of a disaster declaration by engaging in deceptive trade practices.

The press release stated that Texans in affected counties who believe they have encountered disaster scams should call the Office of the Attorney General's toll-free complaint line at 800-621-0508, or file a complaint online at www.texasattorneygeneral.gov.

For additional information on disaster scams, please visit https://www.texasattorneygeneral.go….