DES MOINES, Iowa (KCRG) - The Iowa Secretary of State’s Office says it has received reports of Iowans receiving mass texts from people impersonating elected officials and candidates.
Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate says this is happening in several Iowa counties and people should always verify information through his office or their local county auditor.
“Legitimate outreach from candidates and pollsters will not ask for sensitive information,” said Pate. “We urge Iowans not to provide sensitive information over text, and if making plans to donate, to navigate separately to the candidate’s official donation channels.”
The reported fraudulent messages included the following:
“Hello, [NAME]. I’m [NAME], your [CITY NAME] [GOVERNMENT ROLE OR OFFICE SOUGHT], and I’m listening to residents