Voter Registration Scams
Scammers posing as election officials or volunteers may contact you via phone, email, or even in person, offering to help with registering to vote or updating your voter information. They intend to commit identity theft by collecting personal details, like your Social Security number, driver’s license number, and address.How It Works
These bad actors often use scare tactics, telling you that your registration is incomplete or outdated and must be corrected immediately or you won’t be able to vote. They’ll direct you to a phony website or send you a phishing email to collect sensitive information. Some crooks ask you to download malware by clicking specific links or apps, giving them access to your data.
How to Stay Safe
Remember, legitimate voter registration is never conducted over the phone, email, or text. Only register through your local government’s official election website or in person at a verified office.
Political Donation Scams
Scammers also target individuals wanting to contribute to political campaigns or related causes. They impersonate representatives of a candidate or political action committee (PAC), using high-pressure tactics to convince you to “donate” over the phone, through links in emails, or via text messages.How It Works
Fraudsters will falsely claim they represent a candidate or cause, often appealing to your emotions by emphasizing how important your support is. They may spoof a legitimate organization’s phone number or email address to appear credible. Wire transfers and gift cards are the preferred payment method. But some will still accept credit cards since they can sell the information on the dark web.
How to Stay Safe
Always verify donation requests by visiting the candidate or organization’s official website. Never share information over the phone or through links in unsolicited communications.
Fake Petitions and Polls
Another popular scam involves fake political petitions and polls. Scammers may offer a token of appreciation, such as a gift card, in exchange for your participation. But it’s really a ruse to get you to share personal information.How It Works
These scams usually arrive via unexpected emails, texts, or phone calls. Thieves will ask you to participate in a political survey or sign a petition. They may offer a reward to entice you, but to claim it, you must verify your identity with your Social Security number and date of birth. Plus, you’ll need to give them your credit card information to cover taxes and shipping of the nonexistent “token”.
How to Stay Safe
Legitimate surveys will never ask for your Social Security number or financial details. If someone does, it’s a scam.
What to Do If You Suspect an Election-Related Scam
If you think you’ve encountered an election scam, it’s important to act quickly.
- Report the scam. Contact your local election office or state’s election division to report suspicious activity. They can confirm whether the communication was legitimate and take steps to investigate further.
- Monitor your accounts. If you’ve provided personal information, pay close attention to your bank and credit card statements for any unauthorized transactions.
- Alert your financial institution. If you suspect your HawaiiUSA credit or debit card information was compromised, contact us immediately at (808) 534.4300. We will let you know what additional actions are necessary to secure your account.
- File a complaint. You can report election-related scams to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or your state’s attorney general. They work with local law enforcement to investigate crimes and create awareness in communities across the country.
Learn more ways to safeguard your HawaiiUSA account by visiting our Security Center.
