'Sophisticated scam' nabs $50k from Stein's gubernatorial campaign
Attorney General Josh Stein's gubernatorial campaign was the victim of a "sophisticated scam" that cost the Democratic candidate's operation about $50,000, the campaign confirmed Monday.
“A campaign vendor fell victim to a sophisticated scam," campaign spokeswoman Kate Frauenfelder said in an email. "The vendor has consulted law enforcement, filed a report with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and taken precautionary measures."
The issue was first revealed in a campaign finance filing that was due to state elections officials Friday. That filing, breaking down donations and expenses from the first six months of 2023, lists a $50,438.77 expense in January identified as a “fraudulent wire transfer payment.”
Frauenfelder declined to identify the vendor. The recipient’s name is listed as unknown.
The attorney general’s office frequently prosecutes scammers and warns people to be vigilant against potential scams.
"This serves as an important reminder that fraud happens every day and that people and companies should ensure that they know who they are dealing with when exchanging money online," Frauenfelder said Monday.
Stein has a massive fundraising operation, bringing in nearly $6 million over the last six months, according to the latest campaign finance filings. He’s the lone Democratic candidate currently in the 2024 governor’s race. State Supreme Court Justice Michael Morgan has also said he’s considering a run, but he hasn’t announced an official campaign.
Four Republicans have announced in the race: Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson, State Treasurer Dale Folwell, former U.S. Rep. Mark Walker and State Board of Transportation member Andy Wells.
Stein’s campaign has more cash on hand — $8.2 million — than all the Republican candidates put together, the reports show. Robinson leads republican candidates with $3.2 million on hand.
