Election scams

Scammers have developed multiple methods to deceive people during election seasons. Here’s a look at common tactics:

Phishing Emails and Texts - Scammers often send emails or texts claiming to be from reputable sources like election boards, pollsters, or political campaigns. These messages contain links that lead to malicious websites or ask for sensitive information.
Impersonation of Election Officials - Fraudsters may pose as officials from election offices, claiming they need your personal information to verify voter eligibility or register you to vote.
Survey and Polling Scams - Fake pollsters may offer a prize for completing a survey. These prizes lure individuals into sharing personal data under the guise of demographic or polling questions.
Donation Scams - Fraudsters impersonate political candidates or parties, asking for donations. These scams might look very convincing, using official logos or legitimate-sounding email addresses.
Misinformation on Social Media - Scammers use social media to spread misinformation, often to confuse voters about polling locations, voting methods, or registration status.
Fake Websites - Scammers create websites that closely resemble official voter registration or political organization sites. These websites collect personal data or install malware on your device.
Spoofed Caller IDs - Using spoofed caller IDs, fraudsters pose as trusted entities (e.g., local election offices, polling agencies) to extract personal information.

Cybersecurity Best Practices for Election Periods

Check Links Carefully: Before clicking a link in an email or text, verify its legitimacy by hovering over it or typing the official URL directly into your browser. Even if the message seems to come from a trusted source, double-checking is essential.
Be Cautious of Attachments: Avoid downloading attachments from unknown sources, as these can contain malware. Even if the sender appears to be legitimate, verify with the organization directly.
Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Enable MFA for all accounts related to personal data, email, and banking to add an additional layer of security.
Use Strong, Unique Passwords: During election seasons, account hacking attempts increase. Ensure your passwords are complex, unique, and stored securely, such as in a password manager.

Identifying Legitimate Pollsters

No Prizes for Participation: Be cautious of pollsters who offer rewards for completing surveys. Legitimate pollsters don’t typically provide gifts or prizes.
Understand What Information Pollsters Need: Pollsters may ask for general demographic information, but they will never request sensitive details like Social Security numbers, bank information, or driver’s license numbers.
Voter Registration Cannot Happen by Phone: No state offers voter registration by phone, so if someone claims to be registering you this way, it’s a scam.

Preventing Phone-Based Scams

Don’t Answer Unknown Numbers: If an unknown number calls, let it go to voicemail. Scammers can’t trick you if you don’t engage.
Beware of Spoofed Caller IDs: Scammers can make it look like calls are coming from legitimate entities. If you receive a suspicious call, hang up and call the organization directly using an official number.
Don’t Share Sensitive Information: Reputable organizations will not request sensitive information over the phone, especially in unsolicited calls.

Trust Your Instincts and Verify Information

Listen to Your Gut: If something feels off, trust your instincts and don’t engage further.
Confirm with Official Sources: If you receive information that seems urgent or suspicious, check with your local election office to verify its accuracy. Many election boards have contact information on their websites for these situations.
Beware of Unsolicited Requests: Entities that need your account or personal information already have it. Never provide sensitive information in response to unsolicited requests.

Example 1: Fake Political Survey with Prize Offer
A scammer poses as a pollster, asking for your opinions on recent political events. They offer a chance to win a $500 gift card if you complete the survey. Once you’re involved, they ask for sensitive information like your Social Security number or payment details to “verify” your eligibility for the prize. Remember, legitimate polling agencies don’t offer prizes.

Example 2: Voter Eligibility Verification Calls
Scammers may call, claiming to be from the local election office and requesting personal information to “verify your voter eligibility.” They might even threaten you with removal from voter rolls if you don’t comply. Election offices do not call voters for this type of verification, so if you get such a call, hang up immediately.

Example 3: Misinformation on Social Media
Fraudsters spread false information on social media, such as fake polling locations, incorrect deadlines, or instructions to vote online (which is not possible in most cases). Always rely on official election board websites for accurate information about voting.

Example 4: Fake Political Donation Requests
You receive an email that looks like it’s from a candidate’s campaign, asking for donations. The email contains an official-looking logo and links to a payment page. However, scammers often use these tactics to steal your financial information. Instead, donate directly through the candidate’s verified website.

Example 5: Deepfake Videos of Endorsements
A scammer shares a video of a well-known politician endorsing a particular candidate or cause. The video looks real, but it’s a deepfake designed to manipulate opinions. When in doubt, cross-check the endorsement on official news sites or the politician’s verified social media accounts.

Election scams often play on strong emotions, urgency, and the desire to support important causes. Be cautious if:

The Message Seems Urgent: Scammers might say your vote or action is urgently needed.
The Tone is Fearful or Inspirational: Fear-based messages (like threats of voter registration loss) or overly inspirational messages should be viewed with caution.
Exclusivity and Secrecy: Scammers might imply you’re among a “select few” who can access special information or opportunities.

Limit Information Shared Online: Be cautious about sharing details like your birthdate, address, or political affiliations on social media.
Keep Financial Details Private: Do not share bank details or financial information online, especially in response to emails or messages from unknown sources.
Avoid Political Quizzes and Surveys on Social Media: These can be used to gather data that scammers may use to target you in the future.

Stick to Trusted News Sources: Misinformation is widespread during elections. Verify news from multiple trusted sources before believing or sharing it.
Use Verified Websites for Donations and Voting Information: Go directly to official campaign sites or government election pages instead of clicking on links in unsolicited messages.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Add an extra layer of security to your online accounts by enabling 2FA, especially for social media and email.
Report Suspicious Activity: If you come across anything you suspect may be fraudulent, report it to local authorities, the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), or your state’s election board.

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