The Most Widespread Election Scams and How to Spot Them

Election season brings passionate opinions, busy inboxes and, unfortunately, an uptick in scams. Fraudsters know that older adults are active voters and generous supporters of causes, which makes them appealing targets.

Here are a few election-related scams already circulating as November 4 approaches, and how to stay a step ahead.

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1. “Polling Place” Updates That Aren’t Real

Be cautious of calls, texts, or emails claiming your polling location has changed. These messages often include a link to a fake website that asks for your Social Security number or ID details to “confirm” your voting eligibility. Don’t click. These sites are designed to steal your personal information, including your Social Security number or driver’s license details.

What to do: Always verify voting information directly through your official state or county election website.
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2.  Fake Voter Surveys and Polls

During election season, it’s common to get calls, texts, or emails inviting you to take part in voter surveys and polls. Some are real, but others are scams designed to collect your personal information.

Fraudsters may pretend to represent a campaign or research firm, asking for details like your birthdate, address, or even payment information to “send a prize.” Once shared, that information can be used for identity theft or financial fraud.

What to do: Legitimate political surveys won’t ask for sensitive details or payment. If a poll sounds too personal or offers compensation for your opinion, it’s safest to hang up or delete the message.
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3. Fake Political Donation Sites

Scammers often build websites that look nearly identical to real campaign or charity pages. The logos, names, and slogans may all look legitimate, but once you enter your payment details, your money and information go straight to the fraudster.

Some sites even sneak in recurring donations, charging your card every month instead of making a single contribution. Others only mimic one-time donation pages to capture your personal and financial data.

What to do: Always go directly to the candidate’s or organization’s verified website by typing the address into your browser. Avoid donating through links in emails or social media posts, and double-check that any donation page clearly states whether the payment is one-time or recurring before you submit payment.
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4. “Voter ID Update” Messages

Watch out for texts, calls, and emails warning you that your Voter ID is “out of date” or “missing information”. Scammers posing as election officials may ask you to upload personal documents like your driver’s license, Social Security number, or passport photo to “confirm your registration.”

In reality, these are often phishing schemes designed to collect personal information for identity theft. Some even link to convincing but fake government websites that steal login credentials or financial details.

What to do: Don’t share personal information in response to unsolicited messages about your voter ID. If you receive one, delete it or hang up. Always confirm any election-related updates through official state or local government websites typed directly into your browser, not from a link.
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5. Absentee Ballot Phishing

Scammers know many older adults vote by mail. They send emails or texts offering to “help” request or track your ballot, but the links lead to fake sites that are designed to steal you personal information or install malware on your device.

What to do: Only request or track your ballot through your official state or local election website, by typing the address directly into your browser, not by clicking a link in an email or text. Genuine election offices don’t email or text ballot links unless you’ve opted in for official notifications.

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Scammers thrive on urgency and emotion, especially around elections. Before you click on a link, share information, or make a donation, take a second to double-check.

Use Carefull ScamCheck to review any suspicious emails, texts, or links before you click or respond.

Try Carefull free for 30 days and see how simple it is to keep your money, identity, and peace of mind protected.

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