South Carolina Secretary of State Mark Hammond is reminding the public to be cautious when donating to disaster relief efforts following severe flooding in Kerr County, Texas.
“The families devastated by the flash floods in the Texas Hill Country need our help,” Hammond said. “Unfortunately, scammers are already trying to take advantage of this tragedy. I urge all donors to stay alert and make sure their money goes where it’s truly needed.”
A fire department in Kerr County assisting with flood recovery reported that scammers created a fake Venmo account using its name. This caused its real account to be temporarily suspended, delaying donations.
“After natural disasters, criminals move fast to take advantage of people’s kindness,” Hammond said. “That’s why it’s critical for donors to research before giving, especially when emotions are high.”
Tips for Safe Giving
Hammond’s office shared several tips for anyone considering a donation to flood relief or other disaster aid:
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Choose experienced charities. Give to organizations that have a proven track record in responding to disasters. These groups usually have the resources and systems in place to provide real help.
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Do your homework. Make sure the charity is registered and allowed to collect donations in South Carolina. Be wary of vague requests like “help Texas flood victims” without naming a specific charity. Ask where the money is going and how it will be used.
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Check before you give. You can research charities using the Secretary of State’s Charity Search or by downloading the free Give Smart SC app from the App Store or Google Play. These tools allow you to check whether a charity is registered and review its financial records.
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Ask questions. Legitimate charities will gladly explain how they use your donation. Be cautious if someone pressures you to give immediately or won’t provide details.
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Protect your identity. Never give out your Social Security number when donating. Use a credit card and donate only through secure, well-known organizations to avoid scams and identity theft.
Need Help or Want to Report a Scam?
If you have questions about a charity or want to report suspicious activity, contact the Secretary of State’s Division of Public Charities:
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Email: [email protected]
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Phone: 1-888-CHARITI (242-7484)
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File a confidential complaint via the Give Smart SC app or online at sos.sc.gov
“Scammers prey on people’s goodwill,” Hammond said. “By taking a few extra steps, donors can make sure their generosity has the impact they intend—and not end up in the wrong hands.”
