Las Vegas, NV – Bobby McDowell, a nearly 90-year-old resident of Las Vegas, received a troubling phone call Monday afternoon, with a voice on the other end claiming he owed taxes. The caller warned that if he did not pay immediately, he would be barred from voting in the upcoming November election. Thankfully, McDowell recognized the scheme and hung up, but he fears that others might not be as fortunate.

“I felt violated,” McDowell stated. “Telling me I couldn’t vote unless I made restitution for back taxes, which I know I didn’t owe. I knew it was a scam. … I’m worried there are people who don’t understand that.”

As the November election draws closer, reports of election-related scam calls are surging, preying on unsuspecting individuals. Scam calls have become an increasingly common method for fraudsters to swindle money from victims, particularly in Nevada, which topped a 2023 list ranking states by financial fraud per capita.

The Federal Trade Commission reported that in 2023, Americans lost a staggering $10 billion to scams, while the IRS has cautioned taxpayers to be vigilant against a summer surge of fraudulent calls from individuals impersonating IRS agents or tax professionals.

John Sadler, communications director for the Nevada attorney general’s office, noted that impersonation of IRS agents is not a new tactic; however, linking tax obligations to voting rights is a novel approach for scammers. McDowell’s experience serves as a prime example of how fraudsters adapt their strategies in line with current events, such as the approaching election.

“The IRS will not do that,” Sadler emphasized. “They will not take away your right to vote for having unpaid taxes.”

McDowell also voiced his concerns regarding the reporting process for such scams. After contacting both the FBI and the U.S. Treasury, he was directed to online reporting portals. Lacking a computer, he felt at a loss for how to proceed.

Sadler encouraged victims of such scams to report the incidents to the attorney general’s office to aid in investigations. Complaints can be made by calling the Las Vegas office at 702-486-3420 or the Carson City office at 775-684-1100, or by visiting the attorney general’s online portal.

Nevada Secretary of State Cisco Aguilar urged residents to remain vigilant against scams, whether they arrive via mail or phone. He emphasized that elected officials will never ask voters for money but may require them to confirm specific information during the voting cure process.

“They have to remain educated about the voting process,” Aguilar stated. “Just make sure you always feel comfortable with who you’re talking to. If you don’t feel comfortable, hang up the phone and call the Secretary of State’s office or the county clerk to verify the identity of the caller.”

As the election approaches, officials encourage all Nevadans to stay informed and cautious to avoid falling victim to these fraudulent schemes.

Source: Review Journal