As election season approaches, the excitement of participating in a democracy could be dampened by an increase in sophisticated fraud targeting unsuspecting voters.
Cybercriminals’ tactics are constantly evolving, so it’s important to stay informed about the various schemes that could put your personal information at risk or mislead you about your voting rights.
From fake voter registration offers to deceptive robocalls, these scams can take many forms, so it’s important to recognize the signs and protect yourself. Here we discuss four common election-related scams and provide tips to help you navigate this critical time with confidence and safety.
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Voter Registration Box (Kurt “Cyberguy” Knutson)
1. Voter Registration Fraud
Scammers often pose as voter registrars and entice you to register by phone or through unwanted links, with the goal of stealing your personal information or installing malware on your device.
How to protect yourself:
You should never register to vote by phone, email or text message. You must register online, by mail, or in person at your local elections office. We encourage you to avoid using unsolicited links to register online and instead register at a government facility or by mail. You should also use caution during voter registration efforts to ensure your information is handled securely.
American flag and voting button (Kurt “Cyberguy” Knutson)
2. Robocalls
Characteristics of Robocalls AI-generated voices could spread misinformation or solicit fraudulent donations. These calls could impersonate politicians or provide false voting information.
How to protect yourself:
Check with your local elections office for information about robocalls. If you receive a call trying to influence your vote or solicit donations, it’s best to hang up. Additionally, be wary of unexpected calls from politicians or celebrities, as scammers may be using deepfake technology.
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Voting button (Kurt “Cyberguy” Knutson)
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3. Donation fraud
Scammers may pose as political campaigns or political action committees to solicit fake donations, and they often use pressure and emotional appeals to trick you into giving up your money.
How to protect yourself:
If you want to make a donation, you should do so directly through the candidate’s official website or local campaign office. It’s important not to trust caller IDs, as scammers may spoof legitimate numbers. If you come across a suspicious PAC, report it to the Federal Election Commission and contact your local FBI office if you’ve been targeted.
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Man handing out American flags (Kurt “Cyberguy” Knutson)
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4. Fake surveys, petitions, and polls
Scammers use fake surveys and petitions disguised as political research to collect personal information, sometimes offering prizes to encourage participation, only to later ask for sensitive information.
How to protect yourself:
Legitimate surveys may ask for voting intent and demographic information, but will never request sensitive data such as social security numbers. Avoid clicking on survey links from unsolicited emails or text messages. Decline to participate in any survey or poll offering a prize, especially if it requires a credit card number.
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“I Voted” Sticker (Kurt “Cyberguy” Knutson)
Additional tips to protect your identity and devices
In addition to being mindful of common election scams, it’s important to take proactive steps to protect your personal information and devices. Here are some effective strategies to increase your security during this critical time:
Be aware of phishing techniques used by scammers: Be wary of unsolicited political emails, texts or phone calls that ask for personal information or encourage you to click on a link. The best way to protect yourself from malicious links that can install malware and access your personal information is to install antivirus software on all your devices. This protection will also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, helping to keep your personal information and digital assets safe. We’ve handpicked the winners of the best antivirus protection of 2024 for Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices.
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Enable two-factor authentication: Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of security to your online accounts. By requiring a second form of authentication, such as a text message or an authenticator app, you can significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized access to your account.
Keep your software up to date: Regularly Updating Your operating system, apps, and browsers can help patch security vulnerabilities that scammers may exploit, so set your devices to automatically install updates whenever possible to ensure you always have the latest security features.
Use a strong, unique password. Create strong, unique passwords for each of your online accounts. Avoid using information that can be easily guessed, such as birthdays or common words. Password Manager It helps you generate and store complex passwords securely.
Be careful with public Wi-Fi: If you have access to confidential information, Public Wi-Fi The network may be less secure.
Taking these protective measures will increase your security and reduce your risk of becoming a victim of fraud during election time. Staying informed and vigilant is your best defense against cyber threats.
Important points about the cart
Remaining vigilant during election season is important to protect your personal information and ensure your voice is heard. You can help protect yourself from fraudulent activities by recognizing these common scams and following the protective measures outlined: Always verify election-related communications with official sources and report any suspicious activity to the appropriate authorities.
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