Better Business Bureau warns about voting scams

The San Diego Better Business Bureau (BBB) is warning consumers to be on the lookout for voting scams leading up to November’s election. The BBB said consumers have reported a variety of voting scams, ranging from telemarketers offering free cruises and prizes for answering survey questions to websites charging a fee to register to vote.

In addition, the BBB said identity thieves may use voting scenarios while attempting to steal personal financial information. For example, door-to-door solicitors and telemarketers may claim they’re checking voter eligibility and need a debit, credit card, bank account or Social Security number. Another identity theft scenario, the BBB said, features a promise from President Obama to pay your utility bill only after bank account information is disclosed to process the paperwork.

“Scammers will use any incentive they think voters will want to hear,” said Sheryl Bilbrey, San Diego BBB president and CEO. “Timely news topics like health care, jobs and economic recovery will make the phony pitch sound even more realistic.”

The BBB said legitimate polling companies do not offer free cruises for participating in a survey and credit card and bank account numbers are not required to verify voter eligibility. The BBB also said personal financial information should never been revealed to strangers unless you have initiated the contact and feel confident with whom you are speaking. Also, do not give in to high pressure tactics when persons claiming to be precinct volunteers insist on accepting campaign contributions only in cash. For more consumer protection tips, visit www.sandiego.bbb.org.