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What we know about a voting scam targeting people in Oakland County, Detroit

Voting scams booming ahead of election

An I Voted Today sticker. (Chris Carlson, Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

SOUTHFIELD, Mich. – Voting scams are booming. We want you to be safe, which is why I’m sharing some information here and will have a report at 6 p.m.

In this latest scam, seniors are being approached in Southfield and Detroit regarding early voting opportunities. These scammers are asking people for their social security information and, in some cases, their credit card information.

This is clearly a big scam. I had been in touch with the SOS recently about a different scam involving text messages asking people to click a link to register. Below you will see the statement I received from the SOS regarding that scam.

Our office has received several complaints from Michigan voters concerned about text messages they’ve received regarding their voter registration status. Our Office of Investigative Services is reviewing the complaints and will refer any suspected criminal activity to the Attorney General or other appropriate law enforcement agencies.

In election years, it’s common for third-party groups to send voter registration forms directly to voters either by mail, email, or text message. These mail-in and online registration options have been available to Michigan voters by law for many years. When in doubt, you can always go directly to our website at Michigan.gov/Vote to check your voter registration status, register to vote, or update your voter registration. Michigan citizens are required to provide residency and identity information when registering to vote but will never be asked for their full Social Security number.

As we get closer to November, remember that state and local election officials are the go-to source for voting information or questions about the process. Visit Michigan.gov/Vote or contact your local clerk’s office. If you believe you have received targeted election misinformation, send the Secretary of State’s office a message at misinformation@michigan.gov.

Michigan Secretary of State

Click here for specific information from the state about early voting.

I’ll see you live tonight at 6!


About the Author

Hank Winchester is Local 4’s Consumer Investigative Reporter and the head of WDIV’s “Help Me Hank” Consumer Unit. Hank works to solve consumer complaints, reveal important recalls and track down thieves who have ripped off people in our community.

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