Released on: August 5, 2008, 7:38 am

Press Release Author: Howard Schwartz-Director of Communications, BBB CT

Industry: Consumer Services

Press Release Summary: Beware of callers seeking personal information

Press Release Body: Wallingford, CT - August 5, 2008 - Connecticut BBB says the
latest scam to steal your private information may come by telephone or e-mail, and
is related to voter registration.

The Federal Trade Commission, (FTC) the nation's federal consumer protection agency,
reports scammers are using the pretext of requiring personal information to be
registered to vote or to ensure your registration information is correct. The con
involves unsolicited contact from people who claim they need your Social Security
Number (SSN) or other personal information.

If you receive an unexpected phone call or e-mail from anyone who claims to need
your SSN or other personal information to help you "register to vote," report it to
the FTC online at www.ftc.gov, or by telephone at 1-877-ftc-help (1-877-382-4357).

If you already have shared your personal information with somebody you don't know,
you may be the victim of a scam. After filing your complaint, visit
www.ftc./gov/idtheft.

Federal officials say organizations conducting legitimate voter registration drives
will contact you in person or give you a registration form that you fill out
yourself. Most important, they would never ask you to provide financial information.

You may register to vote by contacting your local election office, or check the U.S.
Election Assistance Commission's National Voter Registration Form at
www.eac.gov/voter.

States and localities have their own rules about how far in advance of an election
you must register to be able to vote and whether a Social Security number is
required for registration.



Web Site: http://www.bbb.org

Contact Details: Connecticut Better Business Bureau
94 South Turnpike Rd
Wallingford, Ct 06492