Campaign Text Scams – What to Be Aware Of

Election years often bring a wave of political outreach, including robocalls and robotexts from campaigns. While many of these are legitimate, they also provide a prime opportunity for scammers to exploit unsuspecting voters. 

Scammers exploit the influx of political messages to steal personal information, commit fraud, or even steal money. In this article, we’ll explore how these scams work, what to watch out for, and the guidelines set forth by the FCC. As a final note, we’ll explain why it’s safer to visit the official campaign website rather than click on any links sent through texts or calls.

Campaign Text Scams: What’s Legal and What’s Not

The Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) outlines specific rules governing political robocalls and texts. These regulations are designed to protect consumers from unwanted intrusions while still allowing legitimate political outreach.

Political robocalls to residential landline phones are allowed without prior consent, but there are restrictions. For example, a political campaign cannot make more than three calls to the same landline within a consecutive 30-day period. The TCPA also requires that prerecorded messages include certain information:

• The caller’s or organization’s identity must be stated at the beginning of the message.
• The caller’s official name must be clearly mentioned if the caller is a business entity.
• A callback number must be provided, either during or after the message.

Political Robocalls and Texts to Mobile Devices

Political robocalls and robotexts to mobile phones require prior express consent from the recipient, a key protection under the TCPA. If you have yet to opt in to receive these calls or texts, they are illegal. Additionally, political campaigns must honor any request to stop further contact, whether by replying “STOP” to a text or verbally asking to be removed from the list during a call.

Scammers are skilled at mimicking legitimate political outreach, often posing as campaign representatives to steal personal information. There are a few red flags that can help you identify a scam:

• Unsolicited calls or texts: Be wary if you haven’t given your express consent to receive campaign calls or texts. Legitimate political campaigns must obtain your permission before contacting you.
• High-pressure tactics: Scammers often manipulate victims by using urgency to pressure them to click on links, provide personal details, or make donations.
• Suspicious links: Never click on a link provided in an unsolicited text message or robocall. These links can lead to phishing sites designed to steal your information.

If you believe a political robocall or text violates FCC rules, you can file a complaint through the FCC’s online portal at fcc.gov/complaints or by phone at 1-888-CALL-FCC. With the rise in robocalls and texts during any election year, it’s important to know how to protect yourself from potential scams. Here are some guidelines:

• Verify the caller: If you receive a political call or text, make sure the caller identifies themselves and provides the name of the campaign. Scammers may use vague or generic names to appear legitimate.
• Never share personal information: Legitimate campaigns will not ask for sensitive personal information such as your Social Security number, bank account details, or passwords.
• Report suspicious activity: If you suspect a robocall or text is fraudulent, report it by forwarding the message to 7726 (SPAM) or filing a complaint with the FCC.

Even If It’s Legitimate, It’s Not Worth the Risk

In the digital age, political campaigns use many tools to engage with voters, but it’s essential to be cautious. Even if the robocall or text you receive seems legitimate, it’s safer not to click links or provide personal information. Instead, if you’re interested in learning more about a campaign or want to donate, visit the official campaign website directly.

Election years are critical times for civic engagement, but they are also ripe for scams. Stay informed, but always prioritize your safety by going directly to the source.

If you believe you are the victim of identity theft because of fraudulent campaign outreach, contact our experienced team of attornies today.