Election Scams: “URGENT – You Aren’t Registered to Vote”

THE SCAM: Election years are a critical moment for any democracy. Unfortunately, they are also prime opportunities for hackers and cybercriminals to exploit the heightened political atmosphere. These bad actors employ various scams and frauds to gain access to sensitive data, disrupt the electoral process, and cause widespread confusion and distrust among the populace. While many of these attacks are focused on larger groups within the election process, individuals are equally at risk and should be vigilant. One such type of attack is the voter registration verification scam, which is a common and deceptive tactic employed by cybercriminals. These scams specifically target individuals, tricking them into divulging sensitive personal information under the guise of verifying or updating their voter registration status.

THE SCHEME: As the election year intensifies, voters are gearing up to cast their ballots. Many individuals have their voter registration cards on hand, which include details about their assigned polling locations, while others depend on information available online or receive notifications via emails and text messages. Unfortunately, there is a fine line between legitimate election texts and possible phishing attempts.

Maryland State Board of Elections recently reported a rise in texting scams from scammers who are impersonating election officials. The text comes in as a voter registration verification text with the following message: “We have you in our records as not registered to vote. Check your registration status and register in 2 minutes.” Another common message is “URGENT: To vote in the upcoming election, you MUST be registered, but public records show you’re not registered at [voter address]. Click the link to register before the deadline: [LINK].”

Lisa Hartman, a resident of Baltimore County, is on high alert after falling victim to a text scam last year. Now, she’s receiving multiple texts about voter registration verification, and she’s not trusting any of them. According to CBS News, who interviewed her, her response to these voter registration texts was, “I just wouldn’t touch it.”

Warnings of these texts messages come from counties across the US and election officials want voters to know that their offices will never send unsolicited messages and links to request personal information.

Fraud Geek Explains:

Scammers typically send out emails or text messages posing as representatives from official election authorities. These communications often carry an urgent tone, claiming that the recipient’s voter registration is incomplete or incorrect. The message usually includes a link or attachment labeled as a form or portal where the individual is directed to update their registration details. The primary goal of these scams is to harvest personal information that can be used for identity theft. Once scammers obtain this information, they can use it to open credit accounts, commit fraud, or sell the data on the dark web.

If you are unsure about your voter registration status, you can go to https://www.vote.gov to verify. You can also access your state’s government website for more information.

Scams and frauds during election periods are not just limited to voter registration scams. Other possible scams that surface during election years are as follows:

Fake Campaign Donations: Fraudsters set up fake websites or send phishing emails soliciting donations for political campaigns. These emails often appear legitimate, featuring official logos and language. Once individuals enter their payment information, scammers can steal their money and personal data.

Manipulating Social Media: During election seasons, social media platforms are rife with misinformation and fake accounts. Scammers create profiles to pose as political figures or activists, spreading false information and encouraging individuals to click on malicious links for more information or donate to fraudulent causes.

Survey Scams: Fraudsters may conduct fake political surveys, promising a reward for participation. After individuals complete the survey, they are asked to provide personal information or payment details to receive their reward, which is never delivered.

Voting-Related Tech Support Scams: Scammers pose as technical support representatives offering help with online voting tools or voter information websites. They direct victims to download malicious software or provide remote access to their computers, enabling the theft of personal data.

Protect Yourself From Voter Registration Scams:

• Always verify voter registration status, voting locations, and other election-related information through official government websites or direct contact with local election offices. Avoid clicking on links in unsolicited emails or messages.
• Ensure the website address matches the official website of your local election office or government agency.
• If you receive an email or message prompting you to update your registration or provide personal information, DO NOT click on any links or call any numbers provided by that message. Always go directly to the secure, official site.
• Be wary of messages that create a sense of urgency or fear. Legitimate communications from election officials will not pressure you to act immediately without verification.
• Stay informed about common election-related scams and fraud tactics by visiting trusted sources such as government websites, consumer protection agencies, and news outlets.
• Use Secure Networks: Avoid accessing sensitive information, such as voter registration details, over public Wi-Fi networks. Use a secure, private connection to protect your data from potential interception.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

The National Association of Secretaries of State released a PDF with the following information:

• Top three election scams
• Red flags and tactics
• How to avoid falling victim
• What to do if you think you are a victim of a scam.

Access the PDF here: https://www.nass.org/sites/default/files/2021-08/CSN%20Election%20Scams%20Infosheet_NASS.pdf

ABC15 ARIZONA: https[:]//www[.]youtube[.]com/watch[?]v=AObDLeSaxYI

Voter beware: Text Scam Targets You, No Matter Where You Live https[:]//www[.]foxnews[.]com/tech/voter-beware-text-scam-targets-you-no-matter-where-you-live

Maryland voters warned of fake voter registration texts that aim to steal personal information https[:]//www[.]cbsnews[.]com/baltimore/news/state-board-of-elections-warn-of-texts-helping-voters-register-but-steal-personal-information/

USA Vote https://www.usa.gov/voting-and-elections

Beware of an Increase in Political Scams https[:]//www[.]fox61[.]com[/]article/news/crime/beware-of-a-increase-in-political-scams-as-election-day-nears/520-ce7a0e87-0ae0-438b-980a-7d07ede3f3aa