Texas Attorney General: Beware of Scams in Flooding Aftermath

Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott warned North Texas residents to be wary of price gouging and fraudulent attempts to bilk homeowners and other consumers in the aftermath of recent storms.

Gov. Rick Perry issued a disaster declaration for seven north Texas counties after storms caused severe flooding in the area. The governor’s declaration provides the Attorney General enhanced authority to prosecute price gouging in those communities that have been formally named disaster areas. Under the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act, the Attorney General protects consumers from exorbitant prices during or after official disaster declarations for necessities, including fuel, food, lodging, medicines, repair work and other basic requirements.

“As North Texas begins repairing damage in the wake of these storms, residents can rest assured that the Office of the Attorney General will aggressively prosecute price gouging,” Attorney General Abbott said. “Texans will not tolerate anyone who attempts to illegally profit from a disaster. We will keep the residents of these communities in our thoughts and prayers as we vigorously monitor this situation.”

The Governor’s disaster declaration extends to Bosque, Cooke, Coryell, Denton, Grayson, Lampasas, and Tarrant counties. As emergency response officials begin to gather damage reports, Attorney General Abbott urged homeowners and businesses to exercise caution when seeking contractors to help with repairs.

Source: Texas Office of the Attorney General