RBFCU Warns Texans About Natural Disaster Scams

From Fake Charities to Identity Theft, RBFCU Offers Tips on How to Spot Common Scams

LIVE OAK, Texas (July 7, 2025) — In the aftermath of a natural disaster like the devasting floods in Central Texas over the Fourth of July weekend, affected communities are at their most vulnerable. As Randolph-Brooks Federal Credit Union (RBFCU) joins the community to assist in the aftermath, we know natural disasters can create opportunities for scammers to take advantage of those looking to help or seeking assistance. People’s good intentions can be derailed by fraudsters, so RBFCU wants to help everyone be aware of potential scams that can occur during these difficult times.

“Scammers can prey on both the desperation of those affected and the goodwill of those wanting to help,” said Alexander Aguillen, RBFCU Vice President of Enterprise Fraud Management. “From fake charities, government agencies, and first responder support to repair and rebuilding efforts, it’s important to stay educated and vigilant for these common natural disaster scams.”

RBFCU wants everyone to know about these common scams that occur after a disaster, and provide tips on how to avoid and report them.

Fake Charities: During natural disasters, it is not uncommon for scammers to impersonate or make up a fake charity to try and get money from you. Imposters may call you to ask for donations, say they’re following up on a pledge or try to trick you into donating through social media livestreams and artificial intelligence (AI) images, videos and voices to convey the need for funds.

Tips to consider before donating to a charity:

• Verify before you donate
  • Give only to trusted, established charities.
  • Research legitimate charities by using sites like charitynavigator.org or give.org.
  • Be cautious with personal fundraisers and fundraising pages such as GoFundMe — unless you know the organizer personally.
• Don’t trust caller ID
  • Scammers can fake official numbers and make them display on your caller ID.
  • Genuine agencies will never demand payment or sensitive personal information over the phone.
  • Always verify organizations and agencies through their official websites before responding.
• Avoid unusual payment methods
  • Legitimate charities will not request donations by gift cards, cryptocurrency or personal payment apps like CashApp or Venmo.
  • Always use secure and traceable payment methods when making donations.
• Look for pressure tactics
  • Scammers often use emotional stories or a sense of urgency to rush your decision.
  • Take your time to verify information and organizations before donating.

Fraudster Contractors: Scammers may approach you claiming to be roofers, carpenters and electricians.

• Tip: Use websites like Yelp, Angi and the Better Business Bureau to verify a business before agreeing to use them. Request a signed contract for the work, detailing any information on a down payment (which some require to purchase materials) and validate any contact information provided. Avoid paying in full for any work up front — you may never see the work completed.

Phone Calls that Promise Grants and Government Aid: Be cautious of unsolicited calls or emails claiming that you qualify for special government grants, disaster relief funds or other forms of financial assistance. Scammers often pose as government officials or representatives from well-known organizations to gain your trust. They may request sensitive personal information, upfront fees or payment for supposed processing costs.

• Tip: Genuine government agencies do not charge fees to process disaster assistance or grant applications, nor will they ask for your Social Security number, bank account details, or credit card information over the phone or via email. Always verify any offer by contacting the agency directly using official contact information found on their website. All official government websites have “.gov” in the URL. Avoid clicking on links or downloading attachments from an unfamiliar email.

Remember, when you spot a scam, you can also help stop a scam. Knowing the most common scams and how to report them is crucial to stopping scammers in their tracks.

RBFCU urges individuals to use these resources when reporting a scam:

National Center for Disaster Fraud will investigate and prosecute fraud as well as advocate for disaster victims. You can call the Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721.

For additional information on natural disaster scams, and all scam information, please contact Victoria Young at vyoung@rbfcu.org. RBFCU also has fraud experts available for interviews.

About Randolph-Brooks Federal Credit Union

Established in 1952, Randolph-Brooks Federal Credit Union is a full-service financial cooperative whose mission is to improve members’ economic well-being and quality of life. With assets exceeding $18 billion, RBFCU serves more than 1.2 million members at 62 branches throughout Texas, and online at rbfcu.org and the RBFCU Mobile^® app.

Media Contact

Victoria Young, Marketing Communication Senior Specialist
vyoung@rbfcu.org