Better Business Bureau warns of fraud risks as Election Day approaches

SALT LAKE CITY — With Election Day next Tuesday, some people are receiving unsolicited calls or messages from campaign officials. The Better Business Bureau is warning voters that scammers are taking advantage of an upcoming national event.

“Political messages, emails, phone calls, things like that,” said Melanie Fox, spokeswoman for the Better Business Bureau Mountain West.

BBB warns people be aware of potential risks.

“Yeah, I think we’re all getting them right now,” said spam recipient Miranda Chimzar.

The BBB said that as emotions rise across the country ahead of Election Day, so does the number of spam messages, which can also lead to fraud.

“Our candidates are campaigning throughout the country. People are worried, they’re nervous, and sometimes scammers like to prey on that, knowing that people are more attuned right now,” Fox said.

Chimzar said there were too many unwanted messages.

“Over the last couple of months, I have seen a huge increase in spam messages, mostly of a political nature, from both sides of the fence,” she said.

The BBB warns people to never provide personal information in unsolicited messages, answer unknown numbers, or click on suspicious links. A bureau spokesman says those who vote early may be targeted by certain messages.

“Utah citizens are encouraged to come out to vote early and also if you are voting early…beware of scams like reporting your vote or phone registration scams, just things that are on the rise on Election Day. getting closer,” Fox said.

The BBB encourages those who receive spam to continue to report all unwanted accounts.

“I feel like they don’t work because every time I just report them as garbage. Whatever side of the political fence they fall on, I consider them trash that I don’t want to receive and I would like to see their numbers reduced,” Chimzar said.

Filter apps are also available for download on devices to reduce spam.