BBB: Scammers using phony political fundraising calls to trick Americans into donating

MILWAUKEE -- Scammers are using phony political fundraising calls to trick Americans into “donating” to a favorite candidate, according to recent BBB Scam Tracker reports.

How the Scam Works

You receive a robocall and answer the phone. It’s a recorded voice – perhaps even one that sounds just like one of the presidential candidates.  According to the recording, rivals have been raising a lot of money. In order to see your favorite candidate elected, you need to donate… immediately.

If you offer to give, you’ll be transferred to a live person and asked for your credit card information. But your money won’t go to support the political cause. Instead, the phony caller will make off with your money and/or personal information that can be used for identity theft. As the 2020 election campaign heats up, be on the lookout for more versions of this con.

How to Avoid Robocall Scams

For More Information

To learn more about how to avoid robocall scams, read BBB.org/RoboCall. If you’ve been the victim of a robocall scam, report it on the BBB.org/ScamTracker. By doing so, you can help others protect themselves from falling prey to similar scams. Learn more about scams at BBB.org/ScamTips and learn how to avoid them at BBB.org/AvoidScams.