With the Canadian election happening next fall and the American election coming up in a few months, it's the perfect time to talk about something important: election scams. Cybercriminals love to take advantage of the excitement and chaos surrounding elections, using tactics like phishing and vishing to steal personal information. They often pretend to be political figures, convincing people to reveal sensitive details, download malware, or even donate to fake causes. And with the rise of AI, these scams are getting even trickier.
What’s the Deal with Deepfakes? Deepfakes are AI-created audio, video, or images that look and sound shockingly real. In elections, scammers use them to impersonate candidates, spread misinformation, and make phishing scams more believable. Imagine hearing a candidate “say” something that could completely change your opinion, only to find out it wasn’t real at all. That’s the danger of deepfakes — they make it hard to know what’s true.
Fake Social Media Accounts and Bots. Ever seen social media posts that seem a little too perfect or too frequent? Fake accounts and bots are often behind them, spreading misinformation and making it seem widespread. These accounts don’t just confuse voters—they can also lead to phishing attacks.
Foreign Influence Campaigns. Some foreign groups try to interfere in elections by pushing division and doubt. They’ll use phishing emails, fake accounts, and bots to gather personal information, spread malware, or circulate false info, all in an effort to disrupt the voting process.
How to Protect Yourself from Election Scams. No matter where or how you're voting, it's important to stay sharp and protect yourself from scams. Here’s how:
- Be Skeptical: If you see shocking or sensational content, especially on social media, take a step back. Double-check the info with trusted, reliable sources like fact-checking websites. Also, watch out for generic-looking profiles that post the same thing over and over.
- Check Those Emails and Calls: Always review the sender’s email address before clicking on anything and be cautious with attachments or links. If someone calls you out of the blue asking for personal details, don’t share anything. Instead, verify the request with the official source directly.
- Watch for Deepfake Clues: Deepfakes can be tough to spot, but look for things like weird facial movements, mismatched lip-syncing, or awkward lighting in videos. For audio, pay attention to anything that sounds robotic or overly polished. When in doubt, check the story with reputable news sources.
- Use Secure Websites: Before you trust a website with important info, make sure the URL is legit and uses HTTPS. Stick to verified, trusted sources for election news and updates.
- Rely on Official Sources: For anything related to voting, always turn to government election websites, not social media. Protect your right to vote and make sure you’re getting accurate information.
Voting is a big deal, and it’s something you don’t want to mess up because of a scam. By following these tips—and sharing them with your friends and family—you can keep yourself safe and ensure you’re making informed decisions when you cast your vote. Stay alert, stay informed, and happy voting!
