Fraud Tip of the Day - November 5

Voter Registration Identity Theft Scams

In a new identity theft scam, crooks are calling voters and asking them to confirm their voter registration by giving them their Social Security or credit card numbers

The FTC is reporting that identity thieves are taking advantage of the upcoming elections by targeting consumers with a new scam related to voter registration.

Americans have reported they've received unsolicited emails or phone calls from individuals claiming to work for local election boards or civic groups.

The purpose of these phone calls and emails is to verify voter registration or eligibility to vote. The messages claim that you can do this by giving them your Social Security number, credit card number or some other form of financial information.

As a rule, federal officials say, groups that conduct legitimate voter registration drives either contact you in person or give you a voter registration form to fill out and turn in.

They will never ask you to provide your financial information.

If you get an unsolicited phone call or email from someone who claims to need your Social Security number or other personal or financial information to register you to vote, report it to the FTC online at www.ftc.gov, or by phone at 1-877-FTC-HELP.

If you already have shared your personal information with someone you don't know, you may be the victim of a scam. If so, visit www.ftc.gov/idtheft and file a complaint.

To register to vote - and to find out whether your state requires your Social Security number for registration - contact your local election office, or check the U.S. Election Assistance Commission's National Voter Registration Form at www.eac.gov/voter. Most states accept this form.

Each state has its own rules regarding when voters must register in order to be eligible to vote in an election and what the voter registration requirements are.

More Voting Scam Information