(AmericanProsperity.com) – The final days leading up to an election are full of last-minute decisions — and expenses — for presidential candidates. In battleground states, candidates spend millions rallying voters to get to the polls. But, sometimes bad actors take it upon themselves to hinder these efforts. Case in point, hackers just stole $2.3 million from the Wisconsin Republican Party in a phishing attack, putting the party at a disadvantage in the final push to re-elect President Donald Trump.
How Hackers Stole Over $2 Million
Hackers altered invoices sent to the Wisconsin Republican Party in order to funnel the requested money into their account rather than the intended, legitimate recipient. The invoices were funding vendors to send pro-Trump mails, and to make hats and other paraphernalia to be handed out.
On Thursday, October 22, a worker noticed an unauthorized invoice in the system, setting off the investigation. The party contacted the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) on Friday, October 23.
Why Did Hackers Choose Wisconsin?
Wisconsin is a battleground state, meaning both candidates are putting a lot of time and money into their state-specific campaigns in order to win its 10 electoral votes. This intense race meant there would be plenty of money running through campaign offices as tensions ran high.
In 2016, President Donald Trump won the state by less than 23,000 votes. Trump held three rallies in Wisconsin this week, one shown here:
The silent majority in Wisconsin will not be silent on November 3rd. #LeadRight #OnWisconsin pic.twitter.com/gDqzp77eHr
— Wisconsin GOP Victory (@WIGOPVictory) October 25, 2020
Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden will also be in the state on Friday, October 30.
Following the Money
In the past two years, Wisconsin Democrats raised almost $59 million while Republicans only raised $23.7 million. While the less-wealthy Republicans were targeted, it’s still unknown if the hackers were solely out for money — or if they were politically motivated.
Battleground states like Wisconsin and Pennsylvania are often the main focus on candidates in an election year, although President Trump still shows his optimism to win them over:
3 Points up in Michigan, 2 Points up in Wisconsin, 3 Points up in Pennsylvania. The Great Red Wave is forming, and getting ready to VOTE!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 27, 2020
Even a small setback, like this phishing attack, can cripple a campaign in the final days. But, here’s to hoping Americans vote based on who they trust most to run our country, rather than who gives out the best mailers and swag.
~Here’s to Your Prosperity!
Copyright 2020, AmericanProsperity.com
