Southfield City Clerk warns residents of early voting scams

SOUTHFIELD — Scammers posing as election officials have been attempting to collect Southfield residents’ credit card information and Social Security numbers.

“We got a call from our Police Department that they have been getting complaints and concerns about the scam,” Southfield City Clerk Janet Jackson said, “in regards to people going door to door, as well as calling stating, ‘If you wanted to vote early, you needed to supply your credit card information and Social Security card.’ Our Police Department is putting together a fact sheet to relay this information to the public, and we have also posted on our website that we would never ask for that information and to call the clerk’s office if they have any concerns in regard to it.”

Jackson added that across Oakland County, officials are paying close attention to online crimes and crimes that target seniors.

“We are having collaborations with other clerks across the county and the state discussing issues, bringing forth a whole collaboration with our police, homeland security, our Southfield homeland security person, and other entities just to ensure that we have a safe election,” she said.

Early voting is from Oct. 26 to Nov. 3. Jackson said that Southfield residents can visit the clerk’s office in City Hall, 26000 Evergreen Road, to cast their ballots ahead of Election Day. She added that residents who are not registered to vote yet can become registered at the clerk’s office with proof of residency within 14 days of the election or on Election Day. If there are more than 15 days before an election, voters can register online, by mail or in person.

“Residents can contact the city clerk’s office to request an absentee ballot, but at no time are they asked to provide any information other than name, address and date of birth,” Southfield Police Chief Elvin Barren said.

He said that residents can protect themselves against early voting scams by doing the following:

• Be cautious of unsolicited calls, messages, and emails. The clerk’s office does not solicit voters.

• Always avoid sharing personal information such as Social Security numbers, and banking and credit card information.

• Only use trusted methods of voting and ballot drop boxes.

• If you receive something in the mail, verify with the clerk’s office to determine authenticity.

• Realize scammers may use urgency techniques and falsely claim the ballot must be done immediately.

• Remember, voting is free, and any request for payment through cash, credit cards or gift cards is a scam.

• Trust your instincts.

“Anything that makes you feel uncomfortable or seems unusual, just please call us, because we’re open to answer those types of questions,” Jackson said.

If you believe that you have been a victim of a voting scam, contact your bank and the Police Department to file a report. The Southfield Police Department can be reached at (248) 796-5500.

Visit cityofsouthfield.com/government/city-clerks-office or call (248) 796-5150.

For more information on voting in Michigan, visit michigan.gov/sos/elections/voting.