Technology
Avoid donation scams this election
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:
Copyright 2024 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.
OpenAI announced yet another reorganization Friday, consolidating certain areas and making company president Greg Brockman the official lead of all things product.
In a memo viewed by The Verge, Brockman wrote that since OpenAI’s product strategy for this year is to go all-in on AI agents, the company is combining its products to “invest in a single agentic platform and to merge ChatGPT and Codex into one unified agentic experience for all.”
To do this, the company is making a suite of org chart changes, although it’s still operating under some of the same ones from last month. That’s when AGI boss Fidji Simo went on medical leave and OpenAI announced that Brockman would be in charge of product strategy and CSO Jason Kwon, CFO Sarah Friar, and CRO Denise Dresser would take control of business operations.
It’s all part of OpenAI’s recent strategic shift to focus on key revenue drivers like coding and enterprise and stop pouring resources into “side quests” ahead of its potential IPO later this year and amid investor pressure to turn a profit.
In Simo’s continued absence, Brockman’s role leading product strategy is now official, as well as the company’s “scaling” arm. Under Brockman will be four different pillars. The first is core product and platform, led by Thibault Sottiaux, who has been OpenAI’s engineering lead for Codex, and the second is critical enterprise industries, led by ChatGPT head Nick Turley. Third is the consumer pillar, such as health, commerce, and personal finance, which will be led by Ashley Alexander, who has been its healthcare products VP. The fourth pillar — core infrastructure, ads, data science, and growth — will be led by Vijaye Raji, who has been OpenAI’s CTO of applications.
Brockman wrote in the memo that OpenAI’s goal is now to “bring agents to ChatGPT scale, in order to give individuals and organizations significantly more value and utility from our products.”
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
You’re going about your day when your phone buzzes. A text hits your phone. It looks official. It sounds urgent. And suddenly, you are being told you owe money for a traffic violation. That is exactly what Todd from Texas experienced. He emailed us and said:
“I received this text message today. It was so baffling because I haven’t lived in California for nearly a decade. I didn’t click on anything or respond. How can I tell if this is for real or if this is a scam?”
If you’ve gotten a message like this, you are not alone. This type of scam is spreading fast, and it is designed to pressure you into acting before you think. Let’s break down what is really going on.
Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report
- Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox.
- For simple, real-world ways to spot scams early and stay protected, visit CyberGuy.com – trusted by millions who watch CyberGuy on TV daily.
- Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide free when you join.
FAKE AGENT PHONE SCAMS ARE SPREADING FAST ACROSS THE US
This message may look official, but several red flags show it is likely a scam designed to pressure you into paying quickly. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
What the traffic ticket scam text looks like
At first, the message seems convincing. It claims to be a “final reminder” from the California DMV, and it warns of penalties like license suspension and added fees. It even includes a link that appears somewhat official. However, once you slow down and take a closer look, the red flags quickly start to pile up.
The biggest red flags in this message
Here are the key warning signs to watch for in messages like this.
9 WAYS SCAMMERS CAN USE YOUR PHONE NUMBER TO TRY TO TRICK YOU
1) The phone number makes no sense
The message comes from a number with a +63 country code. That is the Philippines, not California. Government agencies in the U.S. do not send official legal notices from international numbers. That alone is a major warning sign.
2) No name, just “Dear Driver”
Legitimate notices from a DMV or court almost always include your full name or at least some identifying information. “Dear Driver” is vague on purpose. It allows scammers to send the same message to thousands of people.
3) The link isn’t a real DMV website
The message includes this link:
ca.mnvtl.life/dmv
That isn’t a government domain. Official DMV websites in California use “.ca.gov” or similar trusted domains. Scammers often create lookalike links to trick you into clicking.
4) Urgency and threats
The message pushes you to act quickly with a deadline. It lists consequences like license suspension and extra charges. Scammers rely on fear. When you feel rushed, you are more likely to click without thinking.
FBI WARNS OF DANGEROUS NEW ‘SMISHING’ SCAM TARGETING YOUR PHONE
5) Asking you to reply to proceed
The text says to reply with “Y” to get instructions. That is another trap. Responding confirms your number is active, which can lead to more scam messages.
6) Generic language and odd phrasing
Parts of the message feel slightly off. The tone is formal but not quite right. That subtle awkwardness is common in scam messages sent to large groups of people.
7) Overloaded threats designed to scare you
The message piles on consequences like license suspension, added fees, court action and even credit damage. In this case, it even mentions a license suspension and a $160 late payment charge. That combination is meant to overwhelm you and push you to act fast. Real agencies usually provide clear, specific notices, not a long list of escalating threats in a single text.
INSIDE A SCAMMER’S DAY AND HOW THEY TARGET YOU
Scam texts like this often arrive out of nowhere and try to create urgency before you have time to question them. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
What this means for you
Even if you have never driven in California, you could still receive this message. Scammers cast a wide net and hope someone takes the bait. If you click the link, you could be taken to a fake payment page. That page may ask for your credit card details, personal information or login credentials. In some cases, it can also install malware on your device or redirect you to credential-stealing pages. This isn’t about a ticket. It is about getting your data. State DMVs typically do not send final legal notices or payment demands by text message.
Why these scams keep working
These messages work because they tap into something most people fear. Legal trouble, fines and losing driving privileges. They also look just real enough to pass a quick glance. That is all scammers need. As more services move online, these scams will continue to evolve.
Unlike typical DMV scams, this message impersonates a court and escalates the threats to make the situation feel more serious (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
Ways to stay safe from traffic ticket text scams
Start with a simple rule. Never trust a payment request that shows up out of nowhere. Here are practical steps you can take:
1) Do not click the link
If you are unsure, do not tap anything in the message. That includes links and reply options.
2) Use strong antivirus software
If you accidentally click a link, strong antivirus software can help detect malware and protect your data. Get my picks for the best 2026 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices at Cyberguy.com
3) Verify directly with the DMV
Go to your state’s official DMV website by typing it yourself into your browser. Do not use the link in the text.
4) Check the sender carefully
Look at the phone number. International numbers or random strings are a clear warning sign.
5) Ignore generic greetings
Real notices will usually include your name or case details. Vague language is a red flag.
6) Consider a data removal service
Scammers often get your number from data broker sites. Removing your personal info from those databases with a data removal service can reduce these messages. 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
7) Block and report the number
On your phone, block the sender and report it as spam. This helps reduce future attempts.
8) Turn on spam filtering
Enable spam filtering on your phone or through your carrier to catch more of these messages before they reach you.
Kurt’s key takeaways
Todd did the right thing. He paused, questioned the message and did not click. That one decision likely saved him from handing over personal information. When it comes to messages like this, skepticism is your best defense. If something feels off, trust that instinct.
Should phone carriers and tech companies be doing more to block scams like this before you ever see them? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report
- Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox.
- For simple, real-world ways to spot scams early and stay protected, visit CyberGuy.com – trusted by millions who watch CyberGuy on TV daily.
- Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide free when you join.
Copyright 2026 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.
Honda revealed prototypes of two new hybrid models, an Accord sedan and the Acura RDX SUV, during its annual business briefing this week, built on a platform that it says will begin launching next year. The RDX was announced earlier this year as Honda’s first SUV to feature the next-gen version of its two-motor hybrid system.
In March, Honda announced it would take a writedown of up to 2.5 trillion yen ($15.7 billion) on its EV investments. Now Honda says its EV-related losses will be “resolved” by 2029, and that it will reevaluate its EV plans in 2030.
-
Florida5 minutes agoJudge to rule on Florida congressional map dispute
-
Georgia11 minutes agoKemp extends Georgia’s gasoline tax suspension by 2 weeks
-
Hawaii17 minutes agoMan accused of stabbing teen in Kalihi charged, held on $100K bail
-
Idaho23 minutes ago“Mamas know best”: Idaho Fish and Game Warns against interfering with spring baby animals – LocalNews8.com
-
Illinois29 minutes agoIllinois, Brad Underwood agree to new contract terms
-
Indiana35 minutes agoIndiana gambling case, Bears schedule and McDonald’s Park | Week in Review
-
Iowa41 minutes agoTwo separate traffic stops leads to four arrests in Iowa County
-
Kentucky53 minutes agoKentucky Newsmakers 5/17: Congressional candidate Erin Petrey; Visit Lex President Mary Quinn Ramer