The San Diego Better Business Bureau (BBB) is advising voters to be on lookout for election scams leading up to November’s presidential election. The BBB said anticipated scams are expected to include telemarketers offering a “free cruise” for taking a political survey, promises that President Obama will pay your utility bill in exchange for a vote and phony fundraising solicitations that are not related to any political candidate.
“Scammers will incentives based on what they think voters want to hear,” said Sheryl Bilbrey, San Diego BBB president and CEO. “Hot topics like health care, economic recovery and unemployment, are sure to be the alluring topics this election season, but it can be anything in the news that makes the pitch sound more realistic.”
The BBB said legitimate polling companies will never offer prizes for participating in a telephone survey, nor ask for a credit card number. The BBB recommends to never provide your Social Security number, credit card number or banking information to anyone requesting it over the phone or at your home unless you initiated the contact and feel confident with whom you are speaking. Also, do not give in to high pressure tactics, whether over the phone or in person.
