With Election Day just weeks away, experts are urging people to be wary of fraud. Some people may be inundated with calls, texts, and emails asking for donations. Many of these petitions are fraudulent, so please proceed with caution.
AUSTIN, Texas – With just three weeks until Election Day, many of us are being bombarded with calls, texts and emails asking for surveys and donations. While some of them are legal, many are scams and experts urge you to proceed with caution.
In fact, which political party or candidate you support can affect how scammers target you, your money, and your personal information this election season.
“Scammers use social media on a daily basis, and when you post your political preferences, they zero in on that. And the messages start,” said a company serving central Texas. said Heather Massey, vice president of communications for the Better Business Bureau. .
Many have been receiving messages incessantly, some from former President Donald Trump and others appearing to be from Vice President Kamala Harris. Those texts often include links to vote or donate.
“You think I can make a difference and really help this cause. What you don’t realize is that you’re clicking on a link that’s defective. You’re actually a scammer. You’re giving money to people,” Massey said.
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While some may be legitimate, many are fake and designed to deceive, so people should be wary, especially when asking for donations, Massey said.
“If you receive these unsolicited calls, texts, or emails, please take a moment to stop. They may not be from the candidate you are voting for. I’m just saying it is.”
In addition to your money, phishing texts and phone calls can also try to steal your passwords, account numbers, credit card numbers, social security numbers, and other personal information.
During election season, they often pose as surveys or polls about specific races or issues.
“When these investigations go on and on and get into personal information, they don’t need your credit card information. They don’t need your social security number to collect data and get results.” So be very careful when they ask you to do that,” Massey said.
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Then there are political emails, such as from candidates, campaigns, or political action committees. Massey says to be very careful.
“Hover over these links to see them in action. Often, if they are not legitimate, you will find that they redirect you to a completely different location than the actual candidate’s website. There was a misspelling,” Massey said.
In addition to checking these links, the BBB says prizes are a big red flag. Also, don’t answer unknown numbers or provide information in response to unsolicited text messages. Above all, listen to your gut.
If you see anything suspicious this election season, report it to BBB’s Scam Tracker.
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Information for this report was obtained from an interview conducted by FOX 7 Austin’s John Klinjak.
