Catastrophic flooding in Central Texas has killed more than 125 people and left dozens missing since storm cells stalled over Kerr County on 2 July, local officials say. The disaster has triggered a parallel surge in fraud aimed at survivors and would-be donors. The Federal Trade Commission is advising the public to donate only to charities with verified tax-exempt status and to avoid payments by cash, gift card, wire transfer or cryptocurrency. In a separate notice, the Federal Emergency Management Agency warned that scammers are filing aid applications with stolen personal data and placing ransom calls to families searching for loved ones. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has opened an investigation into an unverified GoFundMe campaign he suspects is exploiting the tragedy. Paxton ordered the organiser to halt fundraising, preserve financial records and return any donations, threatening civil penalties and restitution if fraud is confirmed. Officials recommend using credit cards and vetting charities through services such as the Better Business Bureau and Charity Navigator. Authorities have also flagged related impersonation schemes. The Austin Police Department says callers are spoofing police and immigration numbers to demand payment, while Clark County, Nevada, reports counterfeit failure-to-appear citations bearing the county clerk’s name. Consumer watchdogs caution that such scams often proliferate after natural disasters and urge residents nationwide to verify solicitations before sending money or personal information.