Warning for election scam targeting voters

LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Area Election officials and law enforcement are warning residents about a scam targeting voters or would be voters.

The con artists are trying to get your personal information via email, phone calls, and text messages.

Investigators say in some cases the scammers are trying to deter people from voting or registering to vote.

The I-Team’s Andy Mehalshick takes a close look at the scam and how you can protect yourself and your family from falling victim to the scam coming up on 28/22 News.

An election scam alert is being issued for residents across northeastern Pennsylvania.

Con-artists are trying to get your personal information claiming to be from your county’s election bureau, and that’s not all.

According to law enforcement and area election officials, in some cases, these scammers are actually trying to deter people from voting by giving them false information about how to register to vote.

Investigators say this election scam involves a combination of phone calls, emails, text messages, and in some cases people knocking on the doors of voters, or would be voters. Law enforcement and election officials say the ultimate goal is to get your personal information.

“First and foremost, we’re not sending out emails. We’re not knocking on our door,” said Emily Cook, Director of Luzerne County Voter Services.

Emily Cook is Director of Luzerne County Voter Services. She says that scammers know full well that voters will be inundated with information as the November general election approaches.

“You’ll be getting emails, you’ll be getting letters, you’ll be getting all kinds of mailings, phone calls leading up to the election. Any type of mailing that coming out, if we’re sending it, it has our county seal on it. It’s clearly identified its coming from Luzerne County Bureau of Elections,” explained Cook.

Luzerne County District Attorney Sam Sanguedolce advises residents to stay wary of the information you are receiving.

“Any information that could put you in jeopardy of having your identity stolen you should be very careful about releasing that over the phone or by email or by text message,” stated Sanguedolce.

Residents we spoke with say they know these scammers are very slick.

“I answer questions over the phone. If someone calls me, I already think they are suspicious so I will provide nothing. I agree to nothing and I hang up,” said Deborah Hogrebe of Shavertown.

Investigators say if you have any questions regarding the upcoming election such as how to register where to vote, contact your county election bureau. You can also get more information form the Pennsylvania Department of State-which oversee election in the commonwealth.

For more resources on voting and elections in Pennsylvania head over to this website .

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