Telephone Scam – Secretary Johnson Warns Citizens of fake groups claiming to be making calls on behalf of SOS Office
(Pierre, S.D.) – Secretary of State Monae L. Johnson is warning South Dakotans to be aware of scammers after citizens have reported receiving calls, coming from random numbers with a 605-area code, where the caller is claiming they are with the Secretary of State’s office. Scammers are pushing the voters to challenge the Abortion Rights ballot measure petitions.
The Secretary of State’s office has alerted law enforcement as to these groups impersonating themselves as SOS staff. The groups have stated they are the South Dakota Integrity Committee or the Petition Integrity Commission. It appears that the calls are trying to pressure voters into asking that their name be removed from the Abortion Rights petitions. “Citizens in South Dakota, by law, have the right to petition and people like these scammers are eroding public trust in the election process,” stated Secretary Johnson.
People who receive such calls are encouraged to contact the Secretary of State’s Office, the Division of Elections at [email protected] or call 605-773-3537. Please pass along any information that you receive.
A group did form a campaign finance committee this morning named South Dakota Petition Integrity. We are unaware if this group is affiliated with the calls.
More information on specific ballot questions can be found on the Secretary of State’s website: https://sdsos.gov/elections-voting/upcoming-elections/general-information/2024/2024-ballot-questions.aspx. For more information on the ballot measure signature withdrawal process may be found here: https://sdsos.gov/elections-voting/upcoming-elections/ballot-question-information/Ballot-Measure-Signature-Withdrawal-Information.aspx.