Scam texts from impersonators of local public officials and candidates landing in Iowans cell phones, including in Franklin County

DES MOINES — Iowa’s Secretary of State says there’s been confirmed reports in multiple Iowa counties, including one here in north-central Iowa, that people are getting text messages that are impersonating local public officials and candidates.

Paul Pate says law enforcement has been notified that an individual or group is sending fake text messages to residents in Franklin, Johnson and Madison counties. The texts invite the recipient to reply to the message.

Pate says pollsters and legitimate campaigns will not ask for things like Social Security or bank account numbers, and he says Iowans must remain vigilant due to the continued rise in election-related misinformation.