As the floodwaters recede in Central Texas, the relief effort will intensify for the many families that have lost loved ones, jobs and property.

The catastrophic flooding tragically killed campers and counselors working at summer camps, vacationers, residents asleep in their homes, and people headed to their jobs.

How could the photos, videos and news reports of the devastation from the Guadalupe River’s overflow not move people to offer assistance?

My heart hurts for those affected.

With a confirmed death toll of more than 100 and at least 173 people still missing, the recovery will be substantial and ongoing. Many families also may lack the financial resources to cover funeral costs for those swept away.

The need is, and will continue to be, great.

But one thing is for sure: The scammers will be coming for your donation dollars.

Americans are extremely generous when there is a devastating event, and criminals know exactly how to take advantage of a crisis, whether the Texas floods, the California fires or hurricanes looming this season.

You’ll see appeals on your social media accounts. Or maybe you’ll receive a text message or a legitimate-looking email asking for money to assist residents, workers and employers struggling to recover from a natural disaster that had upended their lives.

Fraudsters will also be using artificial intelligence, or AI, to enhance their deception. Just recently, impostors used AI to impersonate Secretary of State Marco Rubio, sending text and voice messages to U.S. officials and foreign diplomats.

Before you transfer funds via Cash App or give money to a charity or online campaign, take the time to investigate the solicitation. Here are some tips to help protect you from being scammed.

IF YOU FEEL PRESSURED, THAT’S A SIGN OF A SCAM

One of the common tactic scammers use is creating a sense of urgency. They want to rush you into deciding without giving you time to think, research or consult with someone you trust.

The pressure is intentional — because they want you to bypass your critical thinking and be impulsive.

The goal is to manipulate you emotionally, prompting you to act hastily.

Legitimate charities, even those involved in urgent relief efforts, are happy to accept your donation tomorrow or next week. They understand that donors should be given the opportunity to make an informed decision about their giving.

BE SKEPTICAL OF EVERY ONLINE APPEAL

Be suspicious of all requests. Every. Single. One.

Some crowdfunding platforms do a better job than others of vetting postings.

GoFundMe, for example, has created a dedicated page (gofundme.com/TexasFloods) for donors to find verified fundraisers for Texas flood victims. This hub will be updated regularly as new fundraisers are verified. Any fundraiser not featured on the centralized hub is under review.

“We have a team of experts working around-the-clock to verify fundraisers related to the flooding,” a company spokesperson said in an email. “GoFundMe has zero tolerance for the misuse of our platform and swiftly removes any fundraisers found to be in violation of our terms of service.”

Since July 4, more than $10 million has been raised on GoFundMe to help the families and communities affected by the flooding and support nonprofits providing relief on the ground, including CORE, Americares and Direct Relief, according to the spokesperson.

For a fundraiser to be considered verified, the site has to identify the organizers; confirm whom they are raising funds for; establish the organizers’ relationship to the recipient of the funds; and clarify how the funds will be used.

GoFundMe says that when a fundraising campaign is created to help someone other than the organizer, their payment processors hold all funds until the beneficiary’s information is verified.

By the way, if you’re donating funds to a specific individual or family, the contribution is generally not tax-deductible because it’s considered a personal gift.

GoFundMe.org has created a 2025 Flood Relief Fund. Tax-deductible donations to this fund will be used to make emergency cash grants for people affected by the floods, according to the company spokesperson.

WATCH OUT FOR AFFINITY FRAUD

Scammers can infiltrate your social media accounts.

You might get an email or Facebook message that appears to be coming from someone you know, or a particular community or group you belong to.

However, it could be a hack — and your default should be to mistrust any such communication.

TX Subhead: Give to organizations closest to the crisis

As you watch media reports and see local charitable groups providing relief, reach out to them to see what they may need. Please call first before sending any money or items, because you want to be sure the organization can handle what you want to donate.

Local officials in Texas have asked for financial donations, warning that fraudsters have been trying to piggyback on their efforts.

CUT OUT THE MIDDLEMAN

When I give to charity, I prefer that my entire contribution go directly to the cause rather than to an outside fundraising company. Many professional fundraisers are paid a significant portion of your donation, which means less of your money reaches the people or programs you want to support.

If you are contacted by someone soliciting donations, ask these two questions: First, does the charity directly employ you, or have you been hired to raise funds? Second, what percentage of my donation will go directly to the charity?

GIVE RESPONSIBLY

When fires, tornadoes, earthquakes, hurricanes and floods strike, scams soon follow. They are like cockroaches that skitter when the lights go on.

Beware of start-up charities that carry the name of the disaster. Deceitful actors exploit our empathy by setting up fake charities and fraudulent donation drives, pocketing money that should go to victims.

Make it your mission to thwart the thieves. While your heart may lead you to give immediately, be mindful of how and to whom you give.

Check out the Better Business Bureau’s Give.org before making a contribution.

Do the work to ensure your disaster relief funds get to the people who need it.

Contact Michelle Singletary: michelle.singletary@washpost.com or c/o The Washington Post, 1150 15th St. NW, Washington, DC 20071.