Bach Seat

As we approach election day, we have all received more requests to sign petitions, fill out polls and surveys, and donate to causes and campaigns.  Scammers know that political campaigns often ask for your information and money.  Fraudsters are taking advantage of this avalanche of election messaging to pose as campaign workers.  Be on guard; participating in the democratic process shouldn’t compromise your identity.  Try these tips for performing your civic duty this November without getting duped by a scam.

Do your election research.

Do your election research to protect yourself from election-related scams.  Scammers target elections as opportunities to take advantage of people.  Additionally, fraudsters may call or email you, pretending to raise funds for a specific group or candidate.  Therefore, before you donate, ensure you’re contributing to a legitimate organization.

Furthermore, Take your time.  Be wary of any caller or message using pressure tactics to raise funds.

Do your research.

• First, check the Federal Election Commission’s official political action committees list to confirm the PAC’s legitimacy.
• Second, you’re giving to a third-party non-profit, consult resources to verify the causes’ status.  Sites that help confirm a non-profit status include;
  • BBB Give.org,
  • Charity Navigator,
  • CharityWatch, and
  • Candid.

After researching and deciding to donate online, ensure the website is legitimate and the URL starts with “HTTPS.” Scammers can create copycat sites that look like the real thing.  Alternatively, the safest way to donate is at a local campaign office.

Be stingy with your personal information.

Security experts say that identity thieves have used election or voter registration scams to steal personal details.  So, you should think twice about signing a petition at the farmer’s market or clicking on that link in the text urging you to register to vote.  Suzanne Sando, Senior Analyst at Javelin Strategy & Research, warns, “Scam election-themed texts sneak in between legitimate communications.  They take advantage of your sense of urgency and passion about the election, especially since the last few elections have been so emotionally charged.”

If you fill out a voter petition or survey, be picky about what you share.

• Never give out your Social Security or driver’s license number.
• Don’t be afraid to ask if specific fields are required.
  • Be wary when a campaign worker or pollster offers you a gift card for filling out a political survey.  Political campaigns don’t offer prizes or rewards.
  • Never give out your financial information, such as credit card numbers or bank account details, when participating in a poll or survey.  Pollsters may ask for demographic or political affiliation information but should never need more.

AI impact on the election

Since 2022, there has been an explosion in the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to generate robocalls.  Every person in the U.S. is estimated to get 161 robocalls per year.  A robocall is an automated phone call that delivers a pre-recorded message.  They typically rely on a computerized autodialer, a system that can place multiple calls delivering the same message simultaneously.  It’s a robot making a phone call, hence the name “robocall.”

AI can be exploited to create sophisticated robocalls that impersonate credible sources, manipulate voter sentiment, or spread misinformation.  In response to the spread of this type of fraud, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) recently made AI-generated calls illegal.  It’s essential to be skeptical of any unexpected calls you receive from someone claiming to be a particular political candidate or celebrity, such as Tom Hanks, Taylor Swift, President Biden, or Elon Musk.

Election call spoofing

Another way scammers try to get your information is through spoofed calls.  The caller ID on your mobile may say the call is from a campaign or organization’s office, but this can be faked.  Spoofing occurs when a person hides behind a phone number that’s not assigned to the phone they’re calling from.

Social Media

Always perform these steps when interacting with a candidate or cause on social media.  First, before clicking a link in an election-themed social post, give it a once-over for phishing hallmarks.  Phishing hallmarks include blurry images and typos.  Hover your mouse over any links before clicking on them.  Next, be wary before sharing or re-posting election-related content you find online.  AI is increasingly being used to spread election disinformation and trick voters.  Do your research before sharing anything you find online.  Finally, trust your gut.  If they seem to be asking for too much information, do not share your information.

rb-

If you practice good cyber hygiene, the issues surrounding election-time scams are manageable.  It is important to remember several facts about voting.  It matters; this is your chance to support and voice your opinion.

You must be registered to vote.  If you register to vote publicly, opt to hand-deliver or mail in the required form rather than leave it behind.  Better yet, visit Vote.gov or your local election office to register.

• You can only submit your vote in the ballot box or via an absentee ballot.
• Ignore claims that you can register to vote or cast your ballot by phone, text, or email in exchange for sharing your personal information.

Related article

• The fight for evidence-based election security (University of Michigan)

Ralph Bach has been in IT for a while and has blogged from the Bach Seat about IT, careers, and anything else that has caught my attention since 2005.  You can follow me on Facebook or Mastodon.  Email the Bach Seat here.