Technology

Avoid donation scams this election

Published

1 year ago

September 19, 2024

As election season approaches, you’ll no doubt feel the emotional heat rising across the nation with voices arguing passionately for and against hot-button issues. When emotions run high, it’s important to be aware that bad actors may try to exploit your passion and trick you. Scammers prey on emotion, and the more you care, the more vulnerable you might become.

You may want to participate in polls and surveys to have your voice heard, but be cautious, scammers can use this desire to build trust. Your urge to donate to help your candidate win and improve your country or community is admirable, but scammers are eager to take advantage of your drive to make a difference and your big heart.

Remember that elections are polarizing; there are winners and losers, fans and opponents. It’s easy to get swept up in the moment and take risks you might otherwise avoid. Here are some ways to spot common scams to protect yourself from becoming a victim.

GET SECURITY ALERTS, EXPERT TIPS – SIGN UP FOR KURT’S NEWSLETTER – THE CYBERGUY REPORT HERE

Vote stickers (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Fake candidate websites and social media accounts

One of the most concerning trends right now is the emergence of fake candidate websites and social media accounts. Scammers are increasingly creating these fraudulent platforms, impersonating political candidates such as presidential candidates Donald Trump and Kamala Harris.

The scammers’ goal is to mislead potential donors into contributing to donation pages that do not benefit the actual campaigns. According to the Better Business Bureau, these scams exploit the public’s desire to support their preferred candidates, often resulting in significant financial losses for unsuspecting donors. Let’s look at the various other tactics scammers use and how you can protect yourself from falling victim to these deceptive schemes.

Election Day sign and stickers (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

HOW TO RECLAIM YOUR PHONE AND BLOCK UNWELCOME POLITICAL TEXT MESSAGES

Robocalls using candidates’ voices

Another tactic employed by scammers involves robocalls that feature audio clips of prominent political figures. Some scam political action committees (PACs) have been known to use snippets of former President Trump’s voice to convince potential donors that they are contributing to his re-election efforts. However, the funds collected through these scam calls end up lining the pockets of the scammers. Reports indicate that these robocalls often pressure individuals into making immediate donations, creating a sense of urgency that can cloud judgment.

HOW TO STOP ANNOYING ROBOCALLS

A woman frustrated by robocalls (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

DON’T FALL PREY TO THIS ELECTION SEASON’S CRAFTIEST SCAMS

Political donation text scams

In addition to robocalls and fake websites, political donation text scams have become increasingly prevalent. Scammers often send unsolicited text messages that appear to be from legitimate political campaigns, urging you to donate, participate in polls or provide personal information. Be cautious, as scammers can use this approach to build trust. These messages can be misleading, using urgent language to create a sense of panic or obligation.

Political text messages (Political text messages (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Recognizing red flags of political donation scams

When considering a donation, it is important to be aware of certain red flags that may indicate a scam:

Poor grammar and spelling: If you receive an email or text message filled with poor grammar and spelling, this is often a sign that the communication is not from a legitimate source.

Pressure for immediate donations: Be cautious if callers or texters pressure you for immediate donations or create a sense of urgency.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE US NEWS

Unusual payment methods: Legitimate campaigns typically don’t request payment via wire transfer or prepaid cards.

Unsolicited requests for personal information: Be wary of unsolicited communications asking for sensitive data like social security numbers or birth dates.

Offers of prizes or gift cards: Legitimate pollsters don’t usually offer prizes for completing surveys. If you’re asked to provide a credit card number to cover shipping for a “free” gift, it’s likely a scam.

A ballot box (Vote box (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Steps to safely donate

To ensure that your contributions are actually supporting the candidates and causes you believe in, it is important to follow a series of proactive steps. These seven precautions will help you navigate the political donation landscape safely and avoid falling victim to scams.

1. Verify official websites

To ensure that your contributions go to the intended candidates and causes, always donate directly through their official websites. Before making a donation, take the time to verify that the website you are visiting is legitimate. Look for secure URLs (https://) and official endorsements to confirm authenticity.

Also, take a moment to assess the situation and ensure that the request is coming from a verified and trustworthy source. If you have any doubts, independently verify the campaign’s contact information through official channels before making any donations. This extra step can help protect you from falling victim to scams and ensure your contributions support the intended cause.

2. Research the organization or PAC

Before committing your financial support, conduct thorough research on the organization or PAC you are considering. Websites like FEC.gov provide valuable information about political action committees, including their financial practices and transparency. This research can help you make informed decisions about where to direct your donations.

3. Use secure payment methods

When making a donation, it is advisable to use a credit card rather than other forms of payment, such as wire transfers or prepaid cards. Credit cards offer an additional layer of protection against fraud, allowing you to dispute charges if necessary. This step can help safeguard your financial information and ensure that your contributions are secure.

4. Be wary of unsolicited communications

Exercise caution when responding to unsolicited emails, calls or text messages requesting donations. If you receive an email or message filled with poor grammar and spelling, it is often a sign that the communication is not from a legitimate source. Additionally, be on the lookout for callers or texters who pressure you for immediate donations or ask for personal information. Legitimate campaigns typically do not engage in these practices.

5. Never click on links

Avoid clicking on links in unsolicited emails, texts or social media messages. Scammers often use these links to direct you to fake websites designed to steal your personal information or money.

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.

6. Use a data removal service

Consider using a data removal service to protect your personal information. These services can help remove your data from public databases and reduce the risk of identity theft. By limiting the amount of personal information available online, you can decrease the chances of being targeted by scammers.

While no service promises to remove all your data from the internet, having a removal service is great if you want to constantly monitor and automate the process of removing your information from hundreds of sites continuously over a longer period of time. Check out my top picks for data removal services here.

7. Report suspected scams

If you encounter a suspicious political donation solicitation, it is essential to take action. Reporting the scam to the FBI and your state attorney general’s office can help protect others from falling victim to similar schemes. Additionally, use the reporting tools provided by social media platforms to flag any posts that appear to spread false information about candidates or voting. By raising awareness and warning your friends and family about potential scams, you can contribute to a more informed electorate.

SUBSCRIBE TO KURT’S YOUTUBE CHANNEL FOR QUICK VIDEO TIPS ON HOW TO WORK ALL OF YOUR TECH DEVICES

Kurt’s key takeaways

As the election season heats up, it is crucial to remain vigilant against the rise of political donation scams. By following the steps I’ve outlined above, you can help ensure that your financial support goes to the candidates and causes you believe in rather than to unscrupulous scammers. Your contributions should reflect your values and support the democratic process, not enrich those seeking to exploit it.

What responsibility do you think political parties and candidates have in combating donation scams that use their names and likenesses? How would you like to see them address this issue? 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.

Ask Kurt a question or let us know what stories you’d like us to cover.

Follow Kurt on his social channels:

Answers to the most asked CyberGuy questions:

New from Kurt:

Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

Technology

300,000 Chrome users hit by fake AI extensions

Published

22 minutes ago

February 27, 2026

Press Room

300,000 Chrome users hit by fake AI extensions

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

Your web browser may feel like a safe place, especially when you install helpful tools that promise to make your life easier. But security researchers have uncovered a dangerous campaign in which more than 300,000 people installed Chrome extensions pretending to be artificial intelligence (AI) assistants. Instead of helping, these fake tools secretly collect sensitive information like your emails, passwords and browsing activity.

They used familiar names like ChatGPT, Gemini and AI Assistant. If you use Chrome and have installed any AI-related extension, your personal information may already be exposed. Even worse, some of these malicious extensions are still available today, putting more people at risk without their knowing.

Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report
Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide – free when you join my CYBERGUY.COM newsletter.

More than 300,000 Chrome users installed fake AI extensions that secretly harvested sensitive data. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

What you need to know about fake AI extensions

Security researchers at browser security company LayerX discovered a large campaign involving 30 malicious Chrome extensions disguised as AI-powered assistants (via BleepingComputer). Together, these extensions were installed more than 300,000 times by unsuspecting users.

Some of the most popular extensions included names like AI Sidebar with 70,000 users, AI Assistant with 60,000 users, ChatGPT Translate with 30,000 users, and Google Gemini with 10,000 users. Another extension called Gemini AI Sidebar had 80,000 users before it was removed.

These extensions were distributed through the official Chrome Web Store, which made them appear legitimate and trustworthy. Even more concerning, researchers found that many of these extensions were connected to the same malicious server, showing they were part of a coordinated effort.

While some extensions have since been removed, others remain available. This means new users could still unknowingly install them and expose their personal data. Here’s the list of the affected extensions:

AI Assistant
Llama
Gemini AI Sidebar
AI Sidebar
ChatGPT Sidebar
Grok
Asking ChatGPT
ChatGBT
Chat Bot GPT
Grok Chatbot
Chat With Gemini
XAI
Google Gemini
Ask Gemini
AI Letter Generator
AI Message Generator
AI Translator
AI For Translation
AI Cover Letter Generator
AI Image Generator ChatGPT
Ai Wallpaper Generator
Ai Picture Generator
DeepSeek Download
AI Email Writer
Email Generator AI
DeepSeek Chat
ChatGPT Picture Generator
ChatGPT Translate
AI GPT
ChatGPT Translation
ChatGPT for Gmail

FAKE AI CHAT RESULTS ARE SPREADING DANGEROUS MAC MALWARE

These malicious tools were listed in the official Chrome Web Store, making them appear legitimate and trustworthy. (LayerX)

How the fake AI Chrome extension attack works

These fake extensions pretend to offer helpful AI features, such as translating text, summarizing emails, or acting as an AI assistant. But behind the scenes, they quietly monitor what you are doing online.

Once installed, the extension gains permission to view and interact with the websites you visit. This allows it to read the contents of web pages, including login screens where you enter your username and password.

In some cases, the extensions specifically targeted Gmail. They could read your email messages directly from your browser, including emails you received and even drafts you were still writing. This means attackers could access private conversations, financial information and sensitive personal details.

The extensions then sent this information to servers controlled by the attackers. Because they loaded content remotely, the attackers could change their behavior at any time without needing to update the extension.

Some versions could also activate voice features through your browser. This could potentially capture spoken conversations near your device and send transcripts back to the attackers.

If you installed one of these extensions, attackers may already have access to extremely sensitive information. This includes your email content, login credentials, browsing habits and possibly even voice recordings.

We reached out to Google for comment, and a spokesperson told CyberGuy that the company “can confirm that the extensions from this report have all been removed from the Google Web Store.”

BROWSER EXTENSION MALWARE INFECTED 8.8M USERS IN DARKSPECTRE ATTACK

Once installed, the extensions could read emails, capture passwords, monitor browsing activity and send the data to attacker-controlled servers. (Bildquelle/ullstein bild via Getty Images)

7 ways you can protect yourself from malicious Chrome extensions

If you have ever installed an AI-related Chrome extension, taking a few simple precautions now can help protect your accounts and prevent further damage.

1) Remove any suspicious or unused browser extensions

On a Windows PC or Mac, open Chrome and type chrome://extensions into the address bar. Review every extension listed. If you see anything unfamiliar, especially AI assistants you don’t remember installing, click “Remove” immediately. Malicious extensions depend on going unnoticed. Removing them stops further data collection and cuts off the attacker’s access to your information.

2) Change your passwords

If you installed any suspicious extension, assume your passwords may be compromised. Start by changing your email password first, since email controls access to most other accounts. Then update passwords for banking, shopping and social media accounts. This prevents attackers from using stolen credentials to break into your accounts.

3) Use a password manager to create and protect strong passwords

A password manager generates unique, complex passwords for each account and stores them securely. This prevents attackers from accessing multiple accounts if one password is stolen. Password managers also alert you if your login credentials appear in known data breaches, helping you respond quickly and protect your identity. Check out the best expert-reviewed password managers of 2026 at Cyberguy.com.

4) Install strong antivirus software and keep it active

Good antivirus software can detect malicious browser extensions, spyware, and other hidden threats. It scans your system for suspicious activity and blocks harmful programs before they can steal your information. This adds an important layer of protection that works continuously in the background to keep your device safe. Get my picks for the best 2026 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices at Cyberguy.com.

5) Use an identity theft protection service

Identity theft protection services monitor your personal data, including email addresses, financial accounts, and Social Security numbers, for signs of misuse. If criminals try to open accounts or commit fraud using your information, you receive alerts quickly. Early detection allows you to act fast and limit financial and personal damage. See my tips and best picks on how to protect yourself from identity theft at Cyberguy.com.

6) Keep your browser and computer fully updated

Software updates fix security vulnerabilities that attackers exploit. Enable automatic updates for Chrome and your operating system so you always have the latest protections. These updates strengthen your defenses against malicious extensions and prevent attackers from taking advantage of known weaknesses.

7) Use a personal data removal service

Personal data removal services scan data broker websites that collect and sell your personal information. They help remove your data from these sites, reducing what attackers can find and use against you. Less exposed information means fewer opportunities for criminals to target you with scams, identity theft or phishing attacks.

Check out my top picks for data removal services and get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web by visiting Cyberguy.com.

Get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web: Cyberguy.com.

Kurt’s key takeaway

Even tools designed to make your life easier can become tools for cybercriminals. Malicious extensions often hide behind trusted names and convincing features, making them difficult to spot. You can significantly reduce your risk by reviewing your browser extensions regularly, removing anything suspicious and using protective tools like password managers and strong antivirus software.

Have you checked your browser extensions recently? Let us know your thoughts by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

Technology

Anthropic refuses Pentagon’s new terms, standing firm on lethal autonomous weapons and mass surveillance

Published

12 hours ago

February 26, 2026

Press Room

Anthropic refuses Pentagon’s new terms, standing firm on lethal autonomous weapons and mass surveillance

Less than 24 hours before the deadline in an ultimatum issued by the Pentagon, Anthropic has refused the Department of Defense’s demands for unrestricted access to its AI.

It’s the culmination of a dramatic exchange of public statements, social media posts, and behind-the-scenes negotiations, coming down to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s desire to renegotiate all AI labs’ current contracts with the military. But Anthropic, so far, has refused to back down from its two current red lines: no mass surveillance of Americans, and no lethal autonomous weapons (or weapons with license to kill targets with no human oversight whatsoever). OpenAI and xAI had reportedly already agreed to the new terms, while Anthropic’s refusal had led to CEO Dario Amodei being summoned to the White House this week for a meeting with Hegseth himself, in which the Secretary reportedly issued an ultimatum to the CEO to back down by the end of business day on Friday or else.

In a statement late Thursday, Amodei wrote, “I believe deeply in the existential importance of using AI to defend the United States and other democracies, and to defeat our autocratic adversaries. Anthropic has therefore worked proactively to deploy our models to the Department of War and the intelligence community.”

He added that the company has “never raised objections to particular military operations nor attempted to limit use of our technology in an ad hoc manner” but that in a “narrow set of cases, we believe AI can undermine, rather than defend, democratic values” — going on to specifically mention mass domestic surveillance and fully autonomous weapons. (Amodei mentioned that “partial autonomous weapons … are vital to the defense of democracy” and that fully autonomous weapons may eventually “prove critical for our national defense,” but that “today, frontier AI systems are simply not reliable enough to power fully autonomous weapons.” He did not rule out Anthropic acquiescing to the military’s use of fully autonomous weapons in the future but mentioned that they were not ready now.)

The Pentagon had already reportedly asked major defense contractors to assess their dependence on Anthropic’s Claude, which could be seen as the first step to designating the company a “supply chain risk” – a public threat that the Pentagon had made recently (and a classification usually reserved for threats to national security). The Pentagon was also reportedly considering invoking the Defense Production Act to make Anthropic comply.

Amodei wrote in his statement that the Pentagon’s “threats do not change our position: we cannot in good conscience accede to their request.” He also wrote that “should the Department choose to offboard Anthropic, we will work to enable a smooth transition to another provider, avoiding any disruption to ongoing military planning, operations, or other critical missions. Our models will be available on the expansive terms we have proposed for as long as required.”

Technology

Amazon shelves Blue Jay warehouse robot

Published

12 hours ago

February 26, 2026

Press Room

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

Amazon made a lot of noise in October when it unveiled Blue Jay, a multi-armed warehouse robot built to speed up same-day deliveries. Just months later, the company quietly ended the program.

The robot’s core technology will live on in other projects. Still, Blue Jay itself is done.

That sudden shift raises an important question. If one of the world’s most advanced logistics companies cannot make a high-profile robot work at scale, what does that say about the future of artificial intelligence (AI) in the real world?

Blue Jay was designed as a ceiling-mounted robot that could sort and handle multiple packages at once to speed up same-day delivery. (Amazon)

What Blue Jay was supposed to do

Blue Jay was not a simple conveyor belt upgrade. It was a ceiling-mounted system designed to recognize and sort multiple packages at once. Using AI-powered perception models, the robot could:

Identify packages in motion
Coordinate several arms at the same time
Manipulate items with speed and precision

Amazon said it developed the system in under a year. That pace alone was impressive. The goal was clear: move more packages faster while reducing strain on workers in same-day fulfillment centers. On paper, that sounds like a win for everyone.

Why Blue Jay ran into trouble

Despite the hype, Blue Jay faced steep engineering and cost challenges. First, the robot was mounted to the ceiling. That design required complex installation and tight integration into Amazon’s Local Vending Machine warehouses. Those facilities operate as massive, single structures with automation baked into the building itself.

There was little room to reconfigure hardware once installed. That rigidity likely became a liability. In software, AI can pivot overnight with a code update. In the physical world, changing course means retooling steel beams, motors and entire layouts. That takes time and serious money. Several employees who worked on Blue Jay have already moved to other robotics projects.

The company reportedly continues to experiment and improve its warehouse systems. The technology behind Blue Jay will, in fact, inform future designs. In other words, the robot failed. The ideas did not.

WAYMO’S CHEAPER ROBOTAXI TECH COULD HELP EXPAND RIDES FAST

Engineering complexity and high installation costs limited how easily Blue Jay could scale inside Amazon’s tightly integrated warehouse system. (Amazon)

From LVM to Orbital: A strategic shift

Amazon’s next move centers on a new warehouse architecture called Orbital. Unlike the older Local Vending Machine model, Orbital is modular. It can be built from smaller units and deployed faster in different layouts.

That flexibility matters. Retail is fragmenting. Customers expect same-day delivery from urban hubs, local stores and even grocery locations. Orbital could allow Amazon to place micro-fulfillment centers behind retail stores, including Whole Foods locations. That would help it compete more directly with Walmart, which already has a strong grocery footprint.

Alongside Orbital, Amazon is developing a new robotics system called Flex Cell. Unlike Blue Jay’s ceiling mount, Flex Cell is expected to sit on the floor.

That small design change signals something bigger. Amazon appears to be moving from massive centralized automation to smaller, adaptable systems built for the unpredictable realities of local retail.

What this means for your deliveries

If you order from Amazon regularly, you might wonder whether this affects you. In the short term, probably not. Your packages will still show up. Same-day and next-day delivery remain core priorities. However, the long-term story is more interesting. Amazon’s robotics strategy shapes how fast your order arrives, how much you pay and how local warehouses operate in your community.

If Orbital works, you could see:

Faster delivery from smaller neighborhood hubs
Better handling of chilled and perishable items
More automation in retail backrooms

If it struggles, same-day expansion could slow or become more expensive. That tension reflects a broader truth about AI. Writing code is one thing. Teaching a robot to lift boxes in a real warehouse without breaking down is another.

AI TRUCK SYSTEM MATCHES TOP HUMAN DRIVERS IN MASSIVE SAFETY SHOWDOWN WITH PERFECT SCORES

After only a few months, Amazon discontinued the Blue Jay program while continuing to reuse parts of its underlying robotics technology. (Amazon)

The gap between AI hype and hardware reality

Blue Jay highlights a growing divide in the tech world. AI in software is moving at lightning speed. Chatbots, image tools and predictive systems evolve weekly.

Hardware is different. Robots must deal with gravity, friction, heat and unpredictable human environments. Every mistake has a physical cost.

Amazon’s course correction shows that even tech giants hit limits when translating AI breakthroughs into moving metal. That does not mean automation is slowing down. It means the path is bumpier than the headlines suggest.

Take my quiz: How safe is your online security?

Think your devices and data are truly protected? Take this quick quiz to see where your digital habits stand. From passwords to Wi-Fi settings, you’ll get a personalized breakdown of what you’re doing right and what needs improvement. Take my Quiz here: Cyberguy.com.

Kurt’s key takeaways

Amazon shelving Blue Jay is not a retreat from robotics. It is a recalibration. The company is betting that modular, flexible systems will win over massive, tightly integrated machines. That shift could define the next era of e-commerce logistics. For you, the promise remains the same: faster delivery, better availability and more local convenience. But behind that promise is a complicated dance between AI ambition and real-world constraints.

If even Amazon struggles to make advanced robots work at scale, how much of the AI revolution is still more vision than reality? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP