BBB warns of phony political fundraising robocalls

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- With two months until the election, political candidates are scrambling for votes and money. Scammers have sensed a money-making opportunity and are trying to take advantage of end of campaign fundraisers.

The scammers are using robocalls hoping to get people to donate their money immediately, but to the scammer instead. The Better Business Bureau explained these phony robocalls will play a candidate's voice and then vaguely state a candidate needs money, and instruct the person on the other end of the line to press a number to be connected and donate immediately.

The scammers end up taking a victim's credit card information and then steal their money.

The BBB says most campaigns don't raise funds this way, and the Federal Communications Commission requires political campaigns to clearly state who's calling at the beginning of a robocall.

Wisconsin BBB Investigations Director Lisa Schiller said its no surprise scammers are trying this con.

"It comes as no surprise to us that scammers are using phony political fund raising calls to trick us into donating," said Schiller.

To protect yourself from falling victim, the BBB suggests not answering the phone for unfamiliar numbers, signing up for the do not call list, and hanging up if you do end up with a robocall on the other end of the line.