Beware of These Voting Scams Happening Now

With the election quickly approaching, it’s essential to be informed and cautious about the growing number of voting scams. Scammers are becoming more sophisticated, using everything from artificial intelligence to fake text messages to trick people into sharing sensitive information. Here’s a breakdown of the types of voting scams that have already been seen this year and the specific steps you can take to protect yourself.

Text scams

Scammers pretending to be election workers are sending fraudulent text messages to Maryland voters, falsely claiming they are not registered to vote in November. The texts urge recipients to click a fake link to “resolve” their registration status. Similar scams have been reported across the country from Sacramento, California to Marietta, Georgia.

How to protect yourself:

• Use official websites: Always use your state’s official election website to register to vote, check your registration status, or find polling locations. Nonpartisan website Vote.org lets voters anywhere in the country check their registration status.
• Avoid clicking on links in unsolicited texts: Never trust third-party websites linked through unsolicited messages. Legitimate voter registration information is not sent through random text messages. If you receive one, delete it immediately.
• Use threat detector technology: McAfee’s Text Scam Detector uses AI to spot and block scam texts before they can do you harm by automatically identifying and alerting you if it detects a dangerous URL in your texts.
• Report suspicious messages: If you receive a suspicious text, notify your state election board or a trusted election protection hotline to ensure authorities are aware of the scam.

Early voting scams

A new voting scam is targeting seniors in Michigan, where scammers are asking for Social Security and credit card information under the pretense of early voting opportunities. Michigan’s Secretary of State office has received numerous complaints about seniors being approached in person by imposters posing as election workers while trying to steal individuals’ identities.

How to protect yourself:

• Know what’s required for voter registration: Voter registration never requires full Social Security numbers or financial information. Anyone asking for these details is likely a scammer.
• Help vulnerable individuals stay informed: Seniors are often targeted by these scams. Make sure your family members or community members know to avoid giving out personal information to unsolicited callers or visitors. Follow your state’s election office on social media for real-time updates so that you can know of any active scam threats in your community.
• Use identity theft protection software: Installing reputable identity theft protection software can set up 24/7 identity monitoring and alerts, plus up to $2 million in identity theft coverage, for greater peace of mind.

AI Robo Calls

A bipartisan group of 51 attorneys general issued a warning to Life Corporation, a company accused of sending scam robocalls during the New Hampshire primary. These calls used AI to impersonate President Biden and spread false information to discourage voter participation. While this bipartisan task force is committed to tackling illegal robocalls nationwide, citizens should still be aware of the risk of deepfake audio.

How to protect yourself:

• Don’t trust caller ID: Spoofing technology can make robocalls appear as if they’re coming from legitimate sources. If you receive a suspicious call, hang up immediately.
• Never give personal information over the phone: Legitimate election officials will not ask for Social Security numbers, financial information, or other sensitive data over the phone.
• Verify through official channels: Always check information by visiting your local election office’s website or calling their publicly listed phone number. Do not rely on information provided in unsolicited calls.
• Block and report robocalls: Use call-blocking apps or features on your phone to prevent further calls and report suspicious robocalls to your state’s election office or the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

Scams tend to increase during election years, so be proactive in safeguarding against these latest fraud tactics. By following these steps, you can help protect yourself from falling victim to election-related scams. Voting is a critical part of democracy, and staying vigilant is key to both safeguarding your personal information and your right to participate.

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