Five Election Scams to Watch For—and How to Avoid Them

Summary

The article describes five election-themed scams targeting voter information, donations, survey payments, alleged fines or election duties, and merchandise purchases. It advises verifying requests through official channels and avoiding unsolicited payment demands.

Key points

Fraudulent voter-registration messages may imitate legitimate services and use links to collect personal information.
Scammers may impersonate candidates or political fundraisers to divert supposed campaign donations.
Some fake political surveys promise rewards, then request card details for shipping, taxes, or other fees.
Messages claiming an electoral fine or election-duty obligation may direct recipients to fake government sites or payment requests.
Fake merchandise ads may misuse politicians’ names, photos, or slogans; check seller affiliation, product claims, pricing, and refund terms.
Verify requests by contacting election authorities or campaigns through independently located official channels, not links or contact details in unexpected messages.

Article Details

Defense Focus: Prevent election-themed scams from stealing money or personal information by verifying requests through independently located official channels and blocking known malicious websites.
Detection Methods: Use Malwarebytes Scam Guard to assess suspicious links, texts, and screenshots.
Check suspicious messages for requests to pay, provide personal or payment information, or act urgently; verify claims independently rather than using the sender's link, phone number, or QR code.
Verify election, donation, and seller claims directly through official websites or independently located contact details.
Data Sources: Suspicious links, text messages, and screenshots submitted for assessment.
Incoming election-related calls and messages, including requests for payment or personal information.
Platforms: Real-time web protection
Defensive Actions: Navigate directly to official election websites to check registration, voting requirements, deadlines, and alleged penalties.
Independently verify political donation requests and confirm who will receive the money.
Do not provide payment details in response to unsolicited surveys or pay to claim a promised prize.
Check a political merchandise seller's affiliation, product claims, total price, refund terms, and recurring charges before buying.
Do not treat accurate personal details, a politician's image, or a familiar organization name as proof that a message or seller is legitimate.
Use real-time web protection to help block known malicious websites.