Beware of Voter Registration Scams
Groups Claiming to Be from the Election Board Try to Take Your Money
Sep 1, 2008
If anyone calls or e-mails you claiming to be from the election board, you should hang up or delete. Often these solicitors will try and get your social security number or credit card number...claiming they need it to process your voter registration. According the Federal Trade Commission, these scammers may also tell you they need personal information to confirm your registration. In a legitimate voter registration drive, no one would ever ask you for financial information. They would either contact you in person or give you a form to fill out yourself.
How to Protect Yourself from Identity Thieves Posing as Voter Registration Organizations:
- Never give your social security information or credit card number to anyone on the phone. Even if you think this is a legitimate organization. Hang up and call the firm’s number that you already have. Or go to the company’s web site, not one that someone gives you over the phone.
- If you want to register to vote, call your local election office. If they require a social security number, make sure you mail it to the correct office in your state. If you’re not sure whom to contact, go to the U.S. election assistance web site.
- Never go to a web site link from an email. Even if you think you are familiar with the company, someone could be impersonating the name and even the trademark. Delete the e-mail and go to the firm’s web site directly. So even if the e-mail appears to come from someone you know at a voter registration organization, it could be a fraud. Scammers will stop at nothing to get your social security number so they can open up accounts in your name. And if they get your credit card number, they will begin using it immediately and begin racking up purchases before you ever see your bill. That’s why it doesn’t hurt to call the 800 number on the back of your credit card once a week. Usually you can track your recent transactions through an automated attendant. If a purchase sounds suspicious, press "0" and talk to a live operator immediately.
Finally, if you have given your personal information to someone you don’t know, and you think you are the victim of a scam, contact the Federal Trade Commission at 1-877-FTC-HELP, or go to ftc.gov/idtheft. Many legitimate organizations are trying to get people to vote this historic election year. But none would try and get personal information from you by phone or in an e-mail In fact, if you are already registered, you will get a card in the mail telling you where to vote, but you don’t need to send them any information unless your address has changed.
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