With the U.S. election less than one week away, election scammers have really increased activity hoping to take advantage of anxious voters. Scammers often exploit confusion around elections to mislead and defraud voters.  With the big day so close, scammers will try to utilize scarcity of time and use urgency to get people to act without thinking. Scammers may send emails or texts with links to fake voter registration sites. Phone calls will likely increase as well, especially in swing states, trying to get individuals to reveal personal information such as their social security number or driver’s license ID number.

Recognizing election scams is essential to safeguard your participation in the democratic process. Here’s how to identify and avoid these scams:

• Look for signs of misinformation, such as incorrect dates, locations, or methods of voting. Scammers may circulate false claims about registration requirements or polling places.
   
• Be cautious if you’re being rushed or pressured to act quickly regarding your voter registration or voting preferences. Legitimate organizations will not rush you even with the election so close.
   
• Emails, texts, or calls from unknown sources requesting personal information or asking you to click on links should be treated with skepticism. Phishing attempts can mimic legitimate organizations.
   
• Be wary of any solicitation for money related to voting, such as “processing fees” for registration or ballots. Voting will always be free.
   
• Scammers may create websites that mimic official election resources. Always check the URL for legitimacy and ensure it ends in .gov for government sites.
   
• If you receive a notification about your voter registration status that you didn’t initiate, verify it through official channels. Scammers may register individuals without their consent.
   
• Beware of misleading posts on social media platforms regarding voting procedures, deadlines, or candidate information. Always cross-check with reputable sources.

Read through the following tips on how to avoid election scams

• Always refer to official state or local election websites for accurate information about voting procedures, registration, and election dates. Websites like CanIVote.org can direct you to your state’s election office.
   
• If you receive a suspicious email or message, verify its legitimacy by contacting the organization directly using official contact information found on their website.
   
• Never provide personal information (e.g., Social Security number, bank details) via phone or email unless you are sure you are dealing with a legitimate entity.
   
• Familiarize yourself with the voting process in your area, including how to register, where to vote, and what identification you may need. This knowledge can help you identify scams.
   
• If you receive unsolicited requests to verify your registration or provide information, do not respond. Instead, check your registration status through official channels.
   
• If you encounter a scam, report it to local election officials or organizations that track election fraud. This can help protect others from falling victim.

Follow reputable news outlets for updates on election-related issues and potential scams, especially as Election Day approaches and stay safe out there!