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Coronavirus Scams and Price Gouging

Crime Victim Rights

Scammers are leveraging the COVID-19 pandemic to steal money, personal information, or both.

Every disaster attracts scammers. Protect yourself. Do your research before clicking on links purporting to provide information on the virus; donating to a charity online or through social media; contributing to a crowdfunding campaign; misinformation about your stimulus check; purchasing products online; or giving up your personal information in order to receive money or other benefits. 

Consumer Fraud and Scams

 

Price Gouging

Currently, the disaster declaration prompted by several discovered cases of coronavirus in Texas is effective across the entire state. Price gouging is illegal, and a disaster declaration triggers tough penalties under the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act (DTPA). Price-gougers may be required to reimburse consumers and may be held liable for civil penalties of up to $10,000 per violation with an additional penalty of up to $250,000 if the affected consumers are elderly.  

Texans who believe they have encountered price gouging should call the Office of the Attorney General’s toll-free complaint line at 800-621-0508 or file a complaint online. See How to Spot and Report Price Gouging

Loan Modification Scams

Be aware that there are scams posing as aid programs, government programs, class action law suits, and more. Some people might try to take advantage of you in your time of need. Falling for a scam can put you in debt and even cause you to lose your home. HUD and its partners have put together these anti-scam resources here. This information can help you see scams coming as well as tell you what to do if you are the victim of a scam.

Know it. Avoid it. Report it.

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