FORT WORTH (WBAP/KLIF)- As early voting is underway the Better Business Bureau is warning North Texans about election scams.
Amy Rasor with the Fort Worth BBB said the number of registered voters increased this year, so expect to see more scams.
“Voting scams can take many forms, including robocalls asking for donations to a political fundraising campaign or attempts to steal your personal information by asking you to register to vote by phone,” she said.
Rasor said Preparation is key this voting season. By educating yourself and planning ahead, you will be better equipped to recognize and avoid these voting scams.
Tips form the BBB:
• Avoid unknown callers. Voting scams often target victims over the phone, so refrain from answering calls from unknown numbers. If you answer and the caller asks you to vote over the phone, hang up. Remember, spoofing technology can manipulate caller ID, so exercise caution even if it appears a campaign office is contacting you.
• Donate directly. Donations made over the phone can be valid, but it is safer to donate to the campaigns, causes and political parties directly. Visit the candidate’s official website to search for donation opportunities or contact their local campaign office.
• Keep your information safe. Legitimate pollsters may ask about your political affiliation or demographic information, but never your Social Security number or credit card information. If the caller asks for this information, hang up immediately.
• Use reliable sources. Working with reliable sources and outlets is key to avoiding election scams.
• Plan ahead. Scammers often target individuals navigating complicated situations. Having a definitive plan ahead of time can keep you secure. Choose a polling location and know which forms of identification are required to vote there.