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Don’t fall prey to this election season’s craftiest scams

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Don’t fall prey to this election season’s craftiest scams

As election season approaches, the excitement of participating in democracy can be overshadowed by the rise of sophisticated scams targeting unsuspecting voters. 

With cybercriminals constantly evolving their tactics, it’s essential to stay informed about the various schemes that could compromise your personal information or mislead you regarding your voting rights.

From fake voter registration offers to deceptive robocalls, these scams can take many forms, making it crucial for you to recognize the signs and protect yourself. We’ll explore four common election-related scams and provide tips to help you navigate this critical time with confidence and security.

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Voter registration box (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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1. Voter registration scams

Scammers often pose as voter registration officials, offering to register you over the phone or through unsolicited links. These tactics are designed to steal personal information or install malware on your devices.

How to protect yourself:

You should never register to vote via phone, email or text because registration is only possible online, by mail or in person at a local election office. It is advisable to avoid using unsolicited links for online registration and to register at a government location or by mail instead. Additionally, you should be cautious at voter registration drives and ensure your information is securely handled.

American flags and vote buttons (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

2. Robocalls

Robocalls featuring AI-generated voices can spread misinformation or solicit fraudulent donations. These calls may impersonate politicians or provide false voting information.

How to protect yourself:

You should verify any information from robocalls with your local election office. If you receive a call that attempts to influence your vote or solicit donations, it is best to hang up. Furthermore, you should be wary of unexpected calls from politicians or celebrities, as scammers may use deepfake technology.

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HOW TO GET RID OF ROBOCALLS WITH APPS AND DATA REMOVAL SERVICES

Vote button (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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3. Donation scams

Scammers may impersonate political campaigns or PACs to solicit fake donations. They often use high-pressure tactics and emotional appeals to trick you into giving money.

How to protect yourself:

If you want to donate, you should do so directly through candidates’ official websites or local campaign offices. It is important not to trust Caller ID, as scammers can spoof legitimate numbers. If you encounter any suspicious PACs, you should report them to the Federal Election Commission and contact your local FBI office if targeted.

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Man handing out American flags (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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4. Fake surveys, petitions and polls

Scammers use fake surveys or petitions to collect personal information under the guise of political research. They may offer prizes to entice participation, only to request sensitive information later.

How to protect yourself:

Legitimate surveys may ask for your voting intentions or demographic information, but they should not request sensitive data like your Social Security number. You should avoid clicking on survey links from unsolicited emails or texts. If a survey or poll offers a prize, you should decline participation, especially if it requires a credit card number.

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EXPOSED: 75% OF US HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES HAVE PERSONAL DATA UP FOR GRABS ONLINE

“I voted” stickers (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Additional tips to protect your personal information and devices

In addition to being aware of common election scams, it’s essential to take proactive steps to safeguard your personal information and devices. Here are some effective strategies to enhance your security during this critical time:

Beware of phishing techniques used by scammers: Be cautious of unsolicited political emails, texts or calls that ask for personal information or prompt you to click on links. The best way to safeguard yourself from malicious links that install malware, potentially accessing your private information, is to have antivirus software installed on all your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe. Get my picks for the best 2024 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices

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Enable two-factor authentication: Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of security to your online accounts. By requiring a second form of verification, such as a text message or authentication app, you can significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized access to your accounts.

Keep software updated: Regularly updating your operating system, apps and browsers helps patch security vulnerabilities that scammers may exploit. Set your devices to automatically install updates whenever possible to ensure you always have the latest security features.

Use strong, unique passwords: Create strong, unique passwords for each of your online accounts. Avoid using easily guessable information, such as birthdays or common words. Consider using a password manager to help you generate and store complex passwords securely.

Be cautious with public Wi-Fi: When accessing sensitive information, avoid using public Wi-Fi networks, as they can be less secure.

Implementing these protective measures can enhance your security and reduce the risk of falling victim to scams during election season. Staying informed and vigilant is your best defense against cyberthreats.

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Kurt’s key takeaways

Staying vigilant during election season is crucial to protecting your personal information and ensuring your voice is heard. By recognizing these common scams and following the outlined protective measures, you can safeguard yourself against fraudulent activities. Always verify any election-related communication with official sources and report suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities.

In your opinion, what role should technology play in combating election scams? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter.

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Technology

Sony’s souped-up PlayStation 5 Pro is $100 off for the rest of today

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Sony’s souped-up PlayStation 5 Pro is 0 off for the rest of today

Sony’s full suite of PlayStation 5 consoles jumped in price in August due to increased US tariffs, but now through Christmas, you can save $100 on several models. This discount is especially great if you planned to go big with Sony’s PS5 Pro, the company’s priciest, most powerful console yet. Normally $749.99, you can currently grab one at Amazon, Walmart, and Target for around $689.99. Sony’s PlayStation Direct storefront indicates that the PS5 Pro sale ends on December 25th at 3AM ET, although discounts may remain on cheaper models.

The PS5 Pro plays many games at their best resolution, while making far fewer concessions than the standard PS5 when it comes to visual effects (particularly ray tracing and shadow quality). Some games simply look better or run faster on the Pro than the base-model PS5, while others look better and run faster. That said, it’s worth noting that PS5 Pro lacks a disc drive and is thus limited to digital titles, though you can buy an optional drive for $80 if you want to attach one later.

The PlayStation 5 Pro has a bigger GPU than any other PS5 model, with twice as much internal storage as the current slim models (2TB versus 1TB). Another notable feature exclusive to the Pro is PSSR (PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution), which uses AI to upscale graphics in supported games to produce a better-looking image. The difference in performance between the Pro and the base PS5 is easy to notice in several games, although it’s safe to say that there hasn’t yet been a title that makes upgrading to one a no-brainer. But if a lower price is all the encouragement you needed to upgrade, now is a good time to get one.

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3D-printed housing project for student apartments takes shape

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3D-printed housing project for student apartments takes shape

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

A quiet town in western Denmark is quickly becoming a testing ground for the future of housing.

Skovsporet, described as Europe’s largest 3D-printed housing project, is now taking shape in Holstebro. When finished, the development will deliver 36 student apartments built faster than many single-family homes.

The project sits near VIA University College and serves students in the area. NordVestBo, an affordable housing organization focused on student living, commissioned the development. SAGA Space Architects designed the project in collaboration with 3DCP Group and COBOD. From the beginning, the goal stayed simple and ambitious. Build high-quality homes faster, more efficiently and at a scale traditional construction often struggles to reach. So far, the progress speaks for itself.

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AUSTRALIA DEBUTS FIRST MULTI-STORY 3D PRINTED HOME – BUILT IN JUST 5 MONTHS

The six buildings are arranged around shared outdoor areas, creating a village-style layout designed for student life. (SAGA Space Architects)

How 36 student apartments were printed at record speed

Skovsporet includes six buildings, and each one holds six ground-level student apartments. Crews printed the structures on site using the COBOD BOD3 3D construction printer. The machine extrudes a cement-like material layer by layer, following a digital blueprint with millimeter accuracy. 

At first, printing a single building took several weeks. However, productivity improved quickly as the team gained experience. By the final building, printing wrapped up in just five days. That pace equals more than one student apartment printed per day. 

Even more notable is the small crew required to run the system. Only three people operated the printer on site. As a result, automation handled the heavy work while the team focused on oversight, quality and precision.

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Inside the 3D-printed student apartments

Each apartment measures roughly 431 to 538 square feet. Despite their compact footprint, the layouts feel open and intentional. Every unit includes a full kitchen, a study area, a lounge, a bathroom with a shower and a bedroom with a double bed. Large roof windows and slanted ceilings pull daylight deep into the space, helping soften the concrete structure. Inside, coated plywood panels and glass elements add warmth and contrast. The result feels modern and livable rather than industrial. These homes are designed for daily student life, not just architectural headlines.

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Why 3D printed construction is changing how housing gets built

The real story at Skovsporet is not just speed. It is repeatability. As the team moved from one building to the next, efficiency improved without sacrificing quality. The BOD3 printer runs on a ground-based track system that allows uninterrupted printing of long wall sections. That consistency makes it easier to scale multi-unit housing projects. 

According to COBOD, this kind of automation reduces labor needs, shortens timelines and improves accuracy. For cities facing housing shortages, those benefits matter.

How sustainability is built into this 3D printed housing project

Skovsporet also shows how 3D printing supports more sustainable construction. The walls were printed using D.fab concrete with FUTURECEM, a low-carbon cement developed by Aalborg Portland. Because the printer deposits material only where it is structurally needed, waste drops significantly compared to traditional methods. The site layout also preserved 95% of the existing trees by carefully positioning print beds between them. In other words, faster construction did not come at the cost of environmental care.

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A COBOD BOD3 printer extrudes concrete layer-by-layer on site, forming the structural walls of Skovsporet’s student apartments with millimeter precision. (SAGA Space Architects)

What happens next for Denmark’s 3D-printed student housing

The 3D printing phase is now complete. Human crews have taken over to install roofs, windows, interiors, furniture and utilities. Landscaped gardens, walking paths and bicycle parking are also underway to create a shared village atmosphere. The project remains on schedule, with residents expected to move in by August 2026.

WORLD’S BIGGEST 3D-PRINTED SCHOOLS ARE UNDERWAY IN QATAR

What this means for you

If you care about housing affordability, this project is worth watching. Skovsporet proves that automation can deliver student housing faster while keeping quality high. It also hints at what could come next. Multiunit housing built with fewer workers, less waste and shorter timelines could ease pressure in crowded cities. While 3D-printed homes will not replace traditional construction overnight, they are clearly moving into the mainstream. For students, renters and communities, that shift could open the door to more accessible housing options.

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Kurt’s key takeaways

Skovsporet is more than a construction milestone. It is a real-world example of how digital design, automation and sustainability can come together at scale. As Europe, the United States and Australia explore similar projects, this student village in Denmark may become a blueprint for future neighborhoods.

Printed concrete walls rise quickly across six buildings, showing how automation helped crews complete more than one apartment per day. (SAGA Space Architects)

If homes can be printed faster, cheaper and with less waste, what other parts of daily life are ready for the same kind of rethink? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.

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Trump administration bars former EU official and anti-disinformation and hate researchers from US

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Trump administration bars former EU official and anti-disinformation and hate researchers from US

On Tuesday, the Trump Administration followed through on a threat of retaliation targeting foreigners who are involved in content moderation. The State Department announced sanctions barring US access for former EU commissioner Thierry Breton, as well as four researchers, while issuing an intentionally chilling threat to others, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio claiming, “The State Department stands ready and willing to expand today’s list if other foreign actors do not reverse course.”

One of the researchers the State Department says is banned and now deportable, is Imran Ahmed, who runs the Center for Countering Digital Hate (CCDH), an organization aimed at identifying and pushing back against hate speech online that Elon Musk tried and failed to censor with a lawsuit that was dismissed in early 2024. In his decision, Judge Charles Breyer wrote that X’s motivation for suing was to “punish CCDH for CCDH publications that criticized X Corp. — and perhaps in order to dissuade others.”

The other researchers include Anna-Lena von Hodenberg and Josephine Ballon, leaders of HateAid, a nonprofit that tried to sue X in 2023 for “failing to remove criminal antisemitic content,” as well as Clare Melford, leader of the Global Disinformation Index, which works on “fixing the systems that enable disinformation.”

The press release announcing the sanctions is titled “Announcement of Actions to Combat the Global Censorship-Industrial Complex,” the claimed target of Republicans like House Judiciary Committee leader Jim Jordan, as they’ve worked against attempts to apply fact-checking and misinformation research to social networks. Earlier this month, Reuters reported the State Department ordered US consulates to consider rejecting H-1B visa applicants involved in content moderation, and a few days ago, the Office of the US Trade Representative threatened retaliation against European tech giants like Spotify and SAP over supposedly “discriminatory” activity in regulating US tech platforms.

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