Election Day is just around the corner and in this digital landscape politicians aren't the only ones interested in you. Cyber crooks know they can use your political passions to trick you into falling for a variety of scams that are designed to steal your personal information and your financial data. Cybercrime is a human problem, which means criminals will continue to use social engineering to trick you. Staying vigilant against election scams and election manipulation schemes is essential. Here’s how you can navigate this crucial time safely. Here's what you need to know.
Robocalls and Text Messages. People need to be aware of calls that scammers make using AI to create fake audio. AI Voice cloning can be used for anything from spreading misinformation about candidates to sending voters to fake donation websites. Criminals can also use AI to create convincing text messages to lure unsuspecting voters to scams as well. Whenever you receive robocalls and text messages, confirm the information you're receiving is accurate. Always follow up by calling your election office for confirmation of any information you receive. Beware of celebrity endorsements as well. Many celebrities have had their voice and facial likeness cloned by AI in recent months.
Donation scams. Cyber crooks are on the lookout for any way they can get your money and election time is a great time for them to convince you to donate to them and not your favorite candidate. Sometimes they will use AI, others times they may have an actual human call you to trick you into donating to a bogus election campaign. You may also receive emails or texts with donation links. In most instances, these bogus voter donation links could also be phishing scams that will lead you to malicious websites.
Voter registration scams. Scammers may take advantage of the fact many people are unsure if they are properly registered to vote in their town or city. Additionally, many people want to vote before election day and it can be a confusing process. Your safest option is head to your nearest election office. In all 50 states, you can only register to vote by mail, online or in person at your nearest election office. You cannot register by phone, email or text.
Fake surveys, petitions, and polls. Surveys, polls, and petitions are common during election season. Here's how it works. Someone contacts you by phone, email, text or in person to ask you a few questions. The problem with this is when you’re asked to provide personal information, such as your birth date and email address as part of the poll. This information could wind up in the hands of some shady people who will use this information to commit fraud. Some scammers may offer a gift card or other prize as an incentive to participate in the survey, and then request your Social Security number, home address and other info — including your credit card number to cover taxes and shipping costs for your prize.
Some solicitations come from fake political action committees (PACs). The FBI defines scam PACs as “fraudulent political action committees designed to reroute political contributions for personal gain,” which is a federal crime. Bruemmer compares their tactics to phony charities that raise money following natural disasters. They frequently seem credible and often employ high-pressure, emotional appeals.
Here are some other ways to protect yourself:
Don’t rely on Caller ID: Scammers can impersonate a political campaign phone number through a tactic known as spoofing.
Another reason to not answer calls: Cybercriminals only need a few seconds to record your voice and use AI to create a dialogue that could evade authentications with your financial institution or credit card company.
Watch what information you share: But don’t share more specific information. Age is one thing, your birth date is another. Decline to provide your name, address, email address, Social Security number or driver’s license number.
Hopefully, this will give you tips to help you keep you safe from 'criminals during election season. If you enjoyed this post, let me know in the comments below. Stay tuned to my blog for more insightful articles and guides to help you strengthen your security posture and your knowledge about technology. If you have any questions, please reach out via email or on social media. I'm always available.
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