Getting to the bottom of possible election scams

COLUMBUS, Ohio ( WCMH ) – The countdown to election day continues, and as long as you’re registered, you can vote at the polls in November, during the early voting period, or via absentee ballot.

But with so many options, dates, and deadlines, the whole process can become confusing. Some legitimate organizations try to make it a little easier for voters, sending out messages with important information and reminders. But so do scammers in an attempt to get you to give them your personal information.

As Better Call 4 has told you before, you may think you’d never fall for it, but scammers are really good at what they do.

“Scammers are very smart,” Judy Dollison, president of the Better Business Bureau of Central Ohio, said. “And really, education is the best way to protect ourselves and avoid falling victim to scams.”

Watch: Getting to the bottom of possible election scams

Better Call 4 viewer Diana sent a message after she got a letter from the Voter Participation Center.

“They sent me an absentee ballot request, which already had my name and address filled in,” Diana said. “I Googled the organization and from what I could tell, it looked like a real thing. But then, I noticed that the postage-paid envelope was not the Franklin County Board of Elections address (at least I don’t think so). I wondered if your team could check into it? I would hate for others to get scammed if it is a scam.”

According to the Franklin County Board of Elections and the Ohio Secretary of State’s Office, the Voter Participation Center is a real 501(c)(3) and has been for more than 20 years. The BOE called it “an advocacy group” and the envelope Diana received is in fact addressed to the Board of Elections, which can be seen on its website .

However, it seems Secretary of State Frank LaRose has reservations about the VPC. He issued a warning during the last election season saying the organization used inaccurate data, sent forms to individuals at the wrong address, claimed voters are not registered when they were, and caused confusion with voters nationwide.

He offered this guidance for voters: “All trusted information about voting and registering to vote can be found at VoteOhio.gov.”

While groups like the VPC are established and are trying to help, there are still instances of fraud attempts.

If you have questions or concerns, contact Better Call 4 and remember that NBC4 is Your Local Election Headquarters .

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