Election scams—Donations, surveys, and voter registration

Election season is here—and with it, opportunities for scammers to take advantage of unsuspecting voters. In recent years, election scams have become more sophisticated, targeting people in various ways to steal money or sensitive personal information.

Your awareness could be the key to keeping your money, information, and vote Cyber Safe. So, let’s dive into three of the most common election-related scams and how you can help protect yourself.

Political donation scams

It’s stressful enough to lose money. It’s worse when you think you’re donating, and it turns out it was a scam. Unfortunately, yet not surprising, one of the most common election scams involves fraudulent political donations.

Scammers set up fake political action committees (PACs) or campaigns to siphon money from people who believe they are contributing to a legitimate cause. These scams often use high-pressure tactics or misrepresent well-known candidates or causes to trick people into donating.

Warning signs:

• The donation request is urgent and stresses the need for immediate action.
• You can’t find any legitimate information about the PAC or campaign online.
• The donation page asks for more personal information than necessary, such as your Social Security number.
• If the scammer reaches out by phone, they ask for personal or financial information.

How to protect yourself:

• Don’t rely on Caller ID—it may be a spoofing attack.
• Only donate through official websites or platforms you trust.
• Look for clear transparency on how your funds will be used.
• Always research the PAC or campaign before giving your money.

Fake election polls and surveys

It’s great to get your voice heard, but let’s make sure your message reaches the correct people. There are legitimate polls and surveys out there, but it’s important to spot the fakes.

Fake election polls and surveys are designed to gather your personal information under the guise of political research. These scams often start with a phone call or email, asking you to participate in a survey about upcoming elections. But instead of collecting your opinions, they aim to steal your data.

Warning signs:

• The survey asks for personal or financial details, such as your bank account or Social Security number.
• The pollster offers a “reward” in exchange for participation.
• The survey uses scare tactics, claiming your information is needed to secure your vote.

How to protect yourself:

• Never give personal or financial information in response to unsolicited polls.
• Verify the legitimacy of the organization conducting the poll.
• Politely decline and report suspicious survey requests to local election authorities, like your State’s Attorney General.

Voter registration scams

Voter registration scams often target people close to election deadlines—basically right now. Scammers pose as government officials, offering to help register voters or verify their registration status. They then use this ploy to steal sensitive personal information.

Warning signs:

• You are contacted out of the blue about voter registration by someone claiming to be from an official organization.
• The individual requests personal information such as your Social Security number or driver's license details.
• The scammer threatens that you won’t be able to vote unless you provide the requested information immediately.

How to protect yourself:

• Double-check any communications by calling your local election office directly.
• Register to vote through official state websites or in person at your local election office.
• Never share personal information unless you are sure of the source.

What to do if you suspect you’ve been targeted

Even though we can take steps to avoid falling for these scams, we may not be able to avoid being targeted altogether. If you suspect you’ve been on the receiving end of an election scam, take these steps:

• Report the scam to authorities, such as the Federal Trade Comission or the Internet Crime Complaint Center.
• Check your credit report for unusual activity at AnnualCreditReport.com.
• Consider using cybersecurity software with identity theft protection and credit monitoring, like Norton 360 with LifeLock.

Make sure your vote counts

Election scams are a real threat—but with the right knowledge, you can help protect yourself. Make sure to stay informed about common scams, follow the tips provided, and always verify any suspicious communications. Taking these precautions can help ensure your vote is safe, secure, and counted.