The Top 2024 Election Scams and How to Protect Yourself


The Top 2024 Election Scams and How to Protect Yourself

 

Modern-day elections in the U.S. have become incredibly complex, with voters challenged at almost every turn. From accessing facts and understanding complex issues to figuring out how to cast a ballot that counts, voters need to do some heavy lifting in order to manage logistics. Throw onto the pile an increase in election scams, and one can begin to understand why a significant portion of the voting-eligible population chooses to sit out elections.

What are Election Scams?

Election scams are designed to steal personal information and financial resources from unsuspecting victims through fraudulent activities related to politics or an upcoming election. It is estimated that there will be 244 million eligible voters in the upcoming 2024 election, and scammers see huge potential in even a small percentage of those numbers. As interest in the election increases, so too do the number and complexity of potential scams, with varieties and tactics including political donation scams, survey scams, voter registration scams, and more.

How To Identify and Avoid Election Scams

Since Oklahoma gained statehood in 1907, Oklahomans have participated in 29 presidential elections. It’s a point of pride for many, and our history of enthusiastic engagement is a long and storied one.

Voting remains a vital part of our healthy democracy, and in 2024 and beyond, your participation truly matters. So how can you do your civic duty safely while avoiding all of the potential risks?

Stay safe this election season by proactively following these essential tips provided by Vision Bank.

Voter Registration Scams

Millions of U.S. residents become eligible to vote every year, including 41 million members of Generation Z in 2024. Unfortunately, new voters and existing voters who need to renew their registration can fall prey to voter registration scams, which often entice victims to register to vote over the phone or internet.

Scammers may request information such as social security, home address, or other details needed to commit identity theft. These scams are often sent out through fake communications, such as email (phishing) or SMS (smishing). 

Campaign Donation Scams

According to the website USAFacts.org, “Between January 2023 and April 2024, US political campaigns collected around $8.6 billion for the 2024 House, Senate, and presidential elections.” With that kind of money involved, you can see why the bad guys are circling, looking for easy opportunities to take advantage of the unsuspecting public. Scammers will often impersonate elected officials, political organizations, or other authority figures to execute fraudulent campaign fundraising.

Cybercriminals may attempt to use AI-technology to impersonate political candidates to request campaign donations over the phone. This scam often includes "spoofing" to conceal their real phone number and use fake or disposable prepaid phones. As AI tools increase in quality and availability, this is likely to become an area where scammers look to gain an edge, and individuals will need to improve their powers of discernment.

Survey Scams

Political polls and opinion surveys are very common during election season, providing a prime opportunity for cybercriminals to exploit sensitive information. And while legitimate surveys may request information about political affiliation and demographics, scam surveys may request sensitive financial or personal information. These should be red flags to members of the public but avoiding them is a constant game of cat-and-mouse.

These scams may occur through smishing, phishing, on social media, or even in person. Voters should be especially wary of surveys enticing participants with prizes or rewards, such as gift cards. 

Ballot Scams

Some scammers may attempt to entice voters into sharing financial information by promising to help voters to vote online or by mail. In other variations, sensitive information may be collected from fake online websites promising to help voters track the status of their mailed ballots. For ballots, make sure to visit your local election authority’s website or check official state resources to track your ballot and verify your voting status.

For Oklahoma specifically, there are 3 things to remember:

  1. Registering to vote can be done online, in person, and by mail. The sooner you do this, the better. Learn more and find details here.
  2. Voting in person is available only at pre-determined, official polling places.  Find yours via the OK Voter Portal.
  3. You have the right to request an absentee ballot.  To determine your eligibility and learn more, visit the Oklahoma State Election Board website today.

Don’t Fall Victim to Election Scams this Year. Follow These Safety Tips:

  • According to Attorneygeneral.gov, votes cannot be collected via phone, and instances of this or other election scams should be reported to the Office of Attorney General’s Bureau of Consumer Protection.
  • Never give out personal sensitive information such as an email address, Social Security number, or driver’s license number when participating in election polls or other public political activities.
  • Refer to official government resources, such as vote.org, when seeking voting information or to request absentee ballots or other important information.
  • Don’t click on links from unsolicited emails and texts. Avoid answering calls from unknown phone numbers.
  • Practice online safety tips.
  • If you suspect you have divulged sensitive information to a criminal element, notify your bank, report the crime, and visit https://identitytheft.gov/

Vision Bank is Here for You During Election Season and Beyond

Vision Bank offers a variety of digital security resources, including dozens of blog topics on security best practices, available on our blog. Vision Bank takes proactive measures to protect our customers’ sensitive information, including timeout features for online banking and encryption technology.

If you feel you may have fallen victim to a scam, reach out to us ASAP. You can easily report stolen and lost credit cards, as well as freeze cards and credit checks. Remember, there is no shame in asking for help, and doing so sooner than later can significantly improve the odds of a positive resolution.

Secure Your Financial Future with Vision Bank

Making online security a priority gives you the ability to navigate the digital world with confidence and comfort, knowing that you have taken the necessary precautions to protect your financial and personal data.

Vision Bank is committed to empowering our communities through financial education, offering valuable insights and resources to safeguard against fraud and ensure a secure financial future. Stay informed and up to date with our informative blogs to stay ahead in protecting your financial well-being.