As we get closer to election day, you might see more requests to sign petitions and fill out surveys. You might also see fraudsters posing as campaign workers this election season. Be on guard for election-themed phishing campaigns and AI robocalls, too. And if you’re planning to contribute to a political candidate, the safest bet is to donate directly via the campaign website or in person at the local office.
Participating in the democratic process shouldn’t compromise your identity. But scammers know that political campaigns are often asking for your information and money.
Reaching out for donations on behalf of candidates or using election-themed phishing scams to steal personal information become much more frequent around elections.
During election season, you may also notice an uptick in requests to sign petitions, fill out polls and surveys, and donate to causes and campaigns. Unfortunately, some of these activities could leave your personal details exposed.
This November, try these tips for maintaining your civic duty without getting snagged in a scam.
Protect your wallet from fundraising scams
Some scammers see elections as an opportunity to take advantage of people who may want to offer financial support to candidates or causes.
These fraudsters may call or email you, pretending to raise funds on behalf of a specific group or candidate. So, before you donate:
Take your time. Be wary of any caller or message using pressure tactics to raise funds.
Always research fundraising organizations or political action committees (PACs) you may be considering supporting.
Consider donating directly on the organization's or candidate's website or in person at their local campaign office.
Be on the lookout for spoofed calls. Your caller ID may say the call is from a campaign or organization's office, but this can be faked.
How to avoid fundraising scams
If you want to help a political candidate or cause, do your research to determine that you are donating to a legitimate organization.
If you’re giving to a third-party non-profit, there are several organizations that can help with this, like BBB Wise Giving Alliance, Charity Navigator, CharityWatch, and Candid.
If you’re donating to a political action committee, confirm it’s registered by checking the Federal Election Commission’s official list.
If you’re donating directly to a candidate online, be aware that scammers can make copycat sites that look like the real thing. To be safe, make sure the website is legit, and see if the URL starts with “HTTPS.”
Be careful when giving away your personal information
Have you ever signed a local candidate’s nominating petition at the farmer’s market? Filled out a quick email survey from a favorite candidate? Received a text urging you to register to vote?
These may seem like everyday actions, but our specialists recommend thinking twice before sharing personal information, like your name and address. Identity thieves are known to use election scams or voter registration scams to steal personal details.
With campaigns and political organizations using text messaging more and more to communicate with voters, scammers' use of texts is also rising.
“Scam election-themed texts sneak in between legitimate communications. They take advantage of your sense of urgency and passion about the election, especially since the last few elections have been so emotionally charged,” says Suzanne Sando, Senior Analyst at Javelin Strategy & Research.
“To protect yourself, approach any communication with the same amount of vigilance,” Sando continues. “If you have any question or any doubt about whether you're registered to vote, don't click on those links.”
There’s also been a significant rise in the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to generate robocalls. AI can be exploited to create sophisticated robocalls that impersonate credible sources, manipulate voter sentiment, or spread misinformation.
In response to the spread of this type of fraud, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) recently made AI-generated calls illegal. It’s important to be skeptical of any unexpected calls you receive from someone claiming to be a particular political candidate or celebrity.
Fortunately, there are ways to safely register to vote, lend your support, and voice your opinion.
When registering to vote:
If you register to vote in a public place, opt to hand-deliver or mail in the required form rather than leaving it behind. Or better yet, visit Vote.gov or your local election office to register.
Remember that it’s only possible to vote at the ballot box or via an official absentee ballot. Ignore solicitations that claim you can register to vote or cast your ballot by phone, text, or email in exchange for sharing your personal information.
When participating in a poll or political survey:
If you decide to fill out a voter petition or survey, be choosy about what you share. Don’t be afraid to ask if certain fields are required, and never give out your Social Security number or driver’s license number.
If a campaign worker or pollster offers you a gift card for filling out a political survey, be wary. Political campaigns don’t offer prizes or rewards.
Never give out your financial information, such as credit card numbers or bank account details, when participating in a poll or survey. Pollsters may ask for demographic or political affiliation information, but they should never need more than that.
When interacting with a candidate or cause over email or social media:
Before clicking a link in an election-themed email or social post, give it a once-over for phishing hallmarks such as blurry images and typos. Hover your mouse over any links before clicking through.
Be wary before sharing or re-posting election-related content you find online. AI is increasingly being used to spread election disinformation and trick voters. Do your research before sharing anything you find online.
Follow your gut. If an email or petition seems to be probing for too much information, opt not to share your information.
We have your back during election season and beyond
Even with the utmost care, you may find yourself sharing more personal information than usual during election season.
If you’re an Allstate Identity Protection member and your plan includes features such as dark web and social media monitoring, our rapid alerts will let you know right away if we spot your information in the wrong place. If your identity is compromised, we can walk you through the issue you’re experiencing and advise on next steps.
If you’re not a member and you think you’ve fallen for an election-themed scam, what should you do next? Change your password for key accounts like your bank account and credit cards. Also be on the lookout for signs of identity theft, such as suddenly being locked out of your accounts.
If you may have lost money in a fundraising scam, notify the financial institution you used to send the funds and ask if the charge can be reversed. Then, report the fraud to the Federal Trade Commission.