Politics

Galvin warns of text message scams targeting voters ahead of primaries

Voters might receive a text with a link saying they are not registered to vote and asking for personal information. "These are scams," Secretary of State William Galvin says.

Secretary of the Commonwealth William F. Galvin warned voters about text message scams. Erin Clark/Globe Staff

August 29, 2024

1 minute to read

With primary elections coming up next week, state officials are warning voters of text message scams.

“Please don’t click links sent by unknown numbers,” the state Secretary of State wrote on X. “If in doubt, check your registration on our website or call your local election office: VoteInMA.com”

We have received reports of Mass. voters getting text messages telling them they aren't registered to vote. Please don't click links sent by unknown numbers.

If in doubt, check your registration on our website or call your local election office: https://t.co/s1kcUqDE78 https://t.co/4BOt2Z0M6U
— Mass Secretary of State (@SecretaryOfMass) August 29, 2024

Secretary of State William Galvin told reporters that “numerous” local clerks have reported instances of potential scams, The Boston Globe reported. Some voters in Middlesex County could receive texts with a link implying they are not eligible to vote in Tuesday’s election.

A resident in Wilmington was told via text that they were not registered to vote, town officials in Wilmington wrote on Facebook.

“The Office of the Town Clerk and the Office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth will not send you a text regarding your voter registration status,” the town wrote.

According to the Globe, Galvin doesn’t believe the texts are coming from a particular candidate or race, but the messages could prompt individuals to share personal information.

“We just don’t want people to mistakenly provide information,” Galvin said, according to the newspaper.

To check registration status, voters can contact their local election offices or find their status on the state’s website.

The voting registration deadline passed on Aug. 24 to vote for largely uncontested state offices. Senator Elizabeth Warren is the only incumbent facing multiple Republican challengers. Ian Cain, John Deaton, and Robert Antonellis are the only Republicans on the statewide ballot.

To check on local elections, voters can search their address on Galvin’s office’s website.