Attorney General Warns Texans of Scams in Wake of Incoming Storms

Ken Paxton, Texas Attorney General, cautions Texas residents of potential scams and price gouging of products following Tropical Storm Marco and Hurricane Laura. State law prohibits price gouging of necessities such as water, food, batteries, clothing, medical supplies, lodging, repair work, or fuel when experiencing a declared disaster.

“In preparation for the coming storms, I urge all Texans to be cautious of dishonest individuals looking to scam vulnerable citizens,” said Attorney General Paxton. “My office will aggressively prevent disaster scams and stands ready to prosecute any price-gouger who takes advantage of Texans.”

Price gouging is illegal, and penalties will be delivered under the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act. Governor Greg Abbott issued a disaster declaration for the counties of Aransas, Bexar, Brazoria, Calhoun, Cameron, Chambers, Galveston, Hardin, Harris, Jackson, Jasper, Jefferson, Kenedy, Kleberg, Liberty, Matagorda, Newton, Nueces, Orange, Refugio, San Patricio, Victoria, and Willacy.

Report suspected price gouging or scams by filing a Consumer Complaint with the Texas Attorney General’s Office or call the toll-free complaint line at (800) 621-0508. All consumer complaints are open record and are made public by the Consumer Protection Division. Further information on this and other reports from the Texas Attorney General may be found at www.texasattorneygeneral.gov