BBB offers essential tips for supporting Texas flood victims

Recent news reports have highlighted the deadly flooding in Central Texas, which already has claimed more than 100 lives, including many from Camp Mystic in Kerr County.

With numerous individuals still unaccounted for, there is a need for effective and responsible charitable support.

Steve Bernas, president and CEO of BBB, says while most people are eager to do anything to help others in distress, unfortunately there are always scammers who see these tragedies as an opportunity.

Bernas said it’s important to question any unsolicited texts, emails, or phone calls and a useful guide to helping is give.org. The BBB Wise Giving Alliance provides the following guidance to ensure your contributions make a meaningful difference.

• Exercise caution when donating goods: While the impulse to give clothing, food, or other in-kind items is generous, it may not always be the most practical way to help. Many charities lack the necessary logistics to receive, sort, transport, and distribute donated goods efficiently. Sending unrequested items can overwhelm relief efforts or divert resources from more urgent needs.

• Clarify the charity’s focus and services: Disaster relief needs can vary widely, from immediate access to food, water, and shelter to long-term support in rebuilding homes and infrastructure. Some organizations may focus exclusively on emergency shelter and basic necessities, while others specialize in counseling, pet care, or reconstruction. Ask the charity how your donation will be used and which specific needs they are addressing in the affected areas.

• Crowdfunding — Proceed with care: Crowdfunding has become a popular way to quickly raise funds for disaster victims, but not all platforms have stringent vetting processes. To minimize the risk of fraud or misuse, donate only to campaigns organized by people you know personally or that have been verified by reputable organizations.

• Understand the full spectrum of disaster relief: Most attention is given to the critical 72 hours following a disaster, but recovery efforts extend much further. Charities provide a continuum of services — from emergency rescue and relief to ongoing recovery, community rebuilding, and disaster preparedness for the future.

• Verify the credibility of charities: To ensure your donation is well-managed, consult expert resources such as the BBB Wise Giving Alliance. They evaluate organizations against 20 comprehensive standards for accountability, including governance, transparency, effectiveness, and financial stewardship. Visit give.org to browse detailed charity reports, access an alphabetic and categorized list of trustworthy national organizations, and filter by location or area of service. This due diligence helps you confidently support charities making a real impact.

As the response to the Central Texas flooding continues, the BBB Wise Giving Alliance soon will provide an updated list of accredited charities directly aiding flood victims.

Meanwhile, those wishing to contribute now may consider established and experienced groups such as the American Red Cross, Salvation Army, or Matthew 25: Ministries. These organizations are recognized for their disaster relief work and have mechanisms in place to provide prompt and efficient assistance to affected communities.

If you’ve spotted a scam, report it to BBB ScamTracker. Visit BBB.org or follow us @ChicagoBBB on social media. Look for the BBB seal, The Sign of a Better Business.