Beware of Election-Themed Scams on the Rise

Researchers at Malwarebytes (website) have issued a warning about a rise in election-themed scams as the US presidential election approaches in November. They anticipate these scams will become more frequent as the election date nears.

Malwarebytes highlights that many of these scams involve requests for donations to a campaign. “Whether these requests come via mail, text, phone call, or social media, the money is not going to any candidates. If the scam isn’t directly seeking your money, it may be attempting to steal your personal information,” the researchers note.

The scammers may also use fake surveys or pose as volunteers for political parties, soliciting personal information or provoking debates on controversial topics.

To avoid falling victim to such scams, users are advised to use a search engine to locate the candidate’s official website before making a donation. “If you choose to support a candidate, avoid clicking on links in text messages, emails, or social media posts. Instead, find the candidate's official site through a search engine. Be cautious with sponsored ads, as they may lead to fraudulent sites,” Malwarebytes advises.

They also recommend the following practices to prevent phishing attacks:

- Do not open attachments from unknown sources.
- Hover over email links to verify they match the displayed URL; discrepancies can be a red flag.
- Do not be rushed by urgent language in emails; take your time to verify legitimacy.
- Check the sender’s email address for authenticity, though be aware that email addresses can be spoofed.