Area phones this morning are ringing with politically oriented robocalls from what appears to be a government number–fraudulently, New Hanover County officials say. The calls are not coming from the government center.
That’s according to a county press release Tuesday morning as local voters hit the primary election polls.
New Hanover County’s government says it has nothing to do with the calls, reports of which describe someone claiming to be or sounding similar to County Commissioner Brian Berger. The voice encourages voters to cast ballots for congressional candidate Woody White (currently the county commission’s chairman) and N.C. Senate candidate Michael Lee.
County spokesman Charles Smith said he had not heard the calls personally but his office received a wave of reports.
“We have received numerous calls this morning,” Smith said, “and when I say numerous, that’s an understatement. Hundreds of calls.”
He said the county has looked into the matter, but at this point is focusing on the clarification.
“While robocalls are becoming more popular during election cycles and telephone spoofing is possible with today’s technology, residents should be aware these calls ARE NOT originating from government owned or operated equipment,” the county’s release said.
“All of our internal and external communication systems are being monitored and we’ll continue to work with our information technology staff to ensure county equipment isn’t compromised,” it added.
The county asks residents not to call the county government center to report these calls, as it may “further burden the local telephone infrastructure….”
Carey Disney Ricks, the county’s public affairs manager, said she was disappointed at the apparent exploit.
“We work diligently to ensure that all official communication represents the community’s best interest and safety,” she said. “It is troubling that someone would choose to mislead the people and violate that confidence as has occurred today.”
