In the wake of catastrophic flooding in Central Texas that left more than 125 people dead and dozens missing, federal and state officials have warned residents and donors about a surge in disaster-related scams designed to exploit vulnerable families and charitable givers.

U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem speaks during a press conference to discuss the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)'s "National Farm Security Action Plan", outside the USDA in Washington,

The Department of Homeland Security secretary defended the federal government's response and denied that policy changes slowed the agency's deployment.