Troy officials alert community to potential election scams

TROY — After being made aware of spam text messages being sent out regarding ballots for the November election, officials from the city of Troy said they want to make sure the community is aware of what to look for in terms of valid election information.

Troy Communications Director Courtney Flynn noted that text messages related to ballots for the general election were sent to people all over the state.

“The texts looked like they were sent from a government office, but they were not, and were in all caps,” Flynn said in an email. “We want to ensure voters know the proper channels to remain updated and informed on elections.”

Officials said Troy has been diligent in ensuring that voters are aware of what contact information would be valid for them to receive election information from by posting the proper contacts through social media posts.

“In general, we are hoping that by providing our alerts through social media that voters will be cautious if they receive a text, call or email regarding their ballots or voting,” Troy City Clerk Aileen Dickson said in an email. “We encourage voters to go to the source first, either the City Clerk’s Office or to the State of Michigan (Michigan Voter Information Center) website, for official information. While some texts/emails/calls may be helpful and truthful, it can be hard to spot the spam or fraud sometimes. So, it’s always better to verify information with an official source.”

The City of Troy Clerk’s Office sends out information in the following ways:

• Phone calls or voicemails are only from (248) 524-3316 or (248) 524-3317. Officials noted that the Clerk’s Office does not cold-call voters. Those questioning the validity of a phone call related to election information should call the Clerk’s Office at (248) 524-3316.

• Emails are only from an @troymi.gov email addresses.

• Faxes come from (248) 524-1770.

• Mail is from 500 W. Big Beaver Road, Troy, MI, 48084, and will include the city seal or logo, or the “Official Election Mail Logo.”

The Clerk’s Office will not be communicating through text messages. All valid and up-to-date election information can be found at troymi.gov/elections or mvic.sos.state.mi.us.

“I’m thankful the City Clerk and her team are taking proactive steps to ensure that our elections in Troy remain safe and secure,” Mayor Ethan Baker said in an email. “I urge our residents to scrutinize any information they receive regarding their right to vote, their process to vote, or anything pertaining to the upcoming election. Always check the source of the information and know that the City of Troy will not be texting you about your vote or this election.”

To verify any election information, contact the City Clerk’s Office at elections@troymi.gov, call (248) 524-3316 or visit troymi.gov/elections.