Alexander Sammon
Updated on: October 9, 2024 8:22 am GMT
Voter Registration Scams Surge as Election Day Approaches
As the November 5 general election approaches, voters across the United States are receiving a flood of texts and emails about their voting registration status. Many of these messages are prompting concerns about their authenticity, with reports surfacing of scams designed to exploit the uncertainty surrounding voter registration. Amidst this backdrop, election officials urge voters to be vigilant and to rely on verified resources for checking their registration.
How to Identify Legitimate Messages
With the election season underway, residents are reporting suspicious messages that claim they are not registered to receive a mail-in ballot or are encouraged to sign up quickly at a provided link. For instance, one resident reported receiving a text stating, “We have you in our records as not signed up to receive a ballot in the mail. Sign up in 2 minutes at [link].” Such texts often lead to dubious websites that may compromise personal information.
It’s crucial to discern between legitimate and fraudulent outreach. Abigail Gardner, a spokeswoman for Allegheny County, confirmed that while some messages may direct voters to official sites, many others are not. Therefore, voters should always start by checking their registration status through [vote.pa.gov](https://vote.pa.gov) or other official government websites to ensure accuracy.
Recognizing Common Election Scams
The rise in political calls and texts has led to increased risk of scams, particularly those soliciting donations. As billions of dollars flood into the 2024 election campaigns, scammers are capitalizing on the heightened emotions and urgency surrounding political funding. Here are some key dos and don’ts to protect yourself from scams:
- Do use a credit card: Credit cards offer better protection against fraudulent transactions compared to debit cards or checks.
- Don’t give personal information over the phone: If seeking to donate, first look up the official website of the candidate or cause.
- Don’t click on suspicious links: Always verify the URL and avoid interacting with unsolicited messages.
- Do research the organization: Utilize resources like the Federal Election Commission to check the legitimacy of Political Action Committees (PACs).
- Be cautious with social media: Any attempts at fundraising through platforms like TikTok should raise red flags, as many such initiatives are not sanctioned.
The Threat of Misinformation
In addition to scams targeting voter registration and donations, misinformation is proliferating across social media platforms. As noted, false reports claiming “the election is canceled” or alleging that non-citizens can vote are just a few examples of misleading information circulating online.
Meta, the parent company of Facebook, has indicated that misinformation is increasingly being spread through both foreign and domestic channels, emphasizing the need for users to verify the credibility of news sources. When encountering unfamiliar outlets, it’s prudent to corroborate stories by referencing trusted news organizations.
How to Protect Yourself from Election-Related Scams
To safeguard against scams and misinformation in the lead-up to the election, here are several practical steps voters can take:
- Verify Email and Text Origins: Always check the source of communication, ensuring it originates from an official .gov or .us site.
- Research Before Sharing: Before sharing news or updates, especially ones that provoke strong reactions, take a moment to verify their authenticity.
- Block Unwanted Calls and Messages: If you receive unsolicited political messages, consider blocking those numbers or marking them as junk.
- Engage Only with Verified Organizations: Make donations or offer support only through verified channels associated with reputable candidates or organizations.
Rising Number of Election-Related Texts and Calls
As Election Day nears, experts are warning about a potential deluge of misleading texts and emails. Officials emphasize that voters should expect to receive more communications, many of which may not be from legitimate sources. Keeping informed and utilizing official resources is crucial during this busy period.
Ric Stotter, a Mt. Lebanon resident, echoed the sentiment of many voters when he chose to verify his voting status directly through the Pennsylvania Department of State website instead of responding to a text message. “You don’t know if it’s legit or if it’s a scam. So I think it’s better to go to the Pennsylvania website,” Stotter stated.
As Election Day gets closer, it’s important to remember a few things: stay informed, keep an eye out, and protect your personal information. With more messages about the election popping up, make sure you use trusted sources to check your voting status and registration.
