MD Robocall Election Scam Prompts Warning To Voters

BETHESDA, MD — In Maryland, and elsewhere across the country, voters are receiving suspicious robocalls and text messages telling them not to vote on Election Day — sparking concerns about misinformation and voter suppression.

Maryland Attorney General Brian Frosh tweeted Wednesday that people should ignore those calls, saying it is safe to go to the polls and vote.

There are reports of robocalls and text messages being sent across the country that are intended to mislead and discourage people from going to the polls. Ignore these calls. It is safe to vote, and TODAY is the last day to vote. If you have not yet voted, make your voice heard.
— Brian Frosh (@BrianFrosh) November 3, 2020

Americans nationwide — in states like Maryland, Michigan, New York, and North Carolina — have reported receiving "stay safe and stay home" robocalls and text messages.

According to The Wall Street Journal, robocall-blocking company YouMail estimates there are 1,000 to 1,500 "stay safe and stay home" calls being made each minute nationwide on Election Day.

Alex Quilici, YouMail's chief executive, told The Washington Post that the messages did not explicitly mention the 2020 presidential election, but still created panic and confusion.

"If you wanted to cause havoc in America for the elections, one way to do it is clearly robocalling," he said. "This whole thing is exposing [that] it can be very difficult to react quickly to a large calling volume campaign."

The Federal Bureau of Investigation said it is investigating the robocalls.

SEE ALSO:

• Live Updates: Election Day In Maryland
• MD Has 8 Congressional Seats Up For Grabs: Meet The Candidates
• MD Congressional Election: Incumbents Vs. Newcomers
• MD Election: Too Late For Mail, What To Wear To Vote
• Anne Arundel Election: School Board, Ballot Questions
• Baltimore Election: Mayor, Council President Up For Vote
• Howard County Elections: School Board, Judges On Ballot
• Montgomery County Election: School Board, Circuit Court
• Prince George's Election: School Board, Judges, Questions
• Maryland Ballot Drop Box Locations, Mail-In Voting Deadlines