BBB Warns about voter registration scams

Aug. 5, 2008 - PRLog -- Wallingford, CT – Connecticut BBB says the latest scam to steal your private information may come by telephone or e-mail, and is related to voter registration.

The Federal Trade Commission, (FTC) the nation’s federal consumer protection agency, reports scammers are using the pretext of requiring personal information to be registered to vote or to ensure your registration information is correct.  The con involves unsolicited contact from people who claim they need your Social Security Number (SSN) or other personal information.

If you receive an unexpected phone call or e-mail from anyone who claims to need your SSN or other personal information to help you “register to vote,” report it to the FTC online at www.ftc.gov, or by telephone at 1-877-ftc-help. (1-877-382-4357).

If you already have shared your personal information with somebody you don’t know, you may be the victim of a scam. After filing your complaint, visit www.ftc./gov/idtheft.

Federal officials say organizations conducting legitimate voter registration drives will contact you in person or give you a registration form that you fill out yourself. Most important, they would never ask you to provide financial information.

You may register to vote by contacting your local election office, or check the U.S. Election Assistance Commission’s National Voter Registration Form at www.eac.gov/voter.  

States and localities have their own rules about how far in advance of an election you must register to be able to vote and whether a Social Security number is required for registration.

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Founded in 1912, BBB is an unbiased non-profit organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior.