Technology
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.
GET SECURITY ALERTS, EXPERT TIPS – SIGN UP FOR KURT’S NEWSLETTER – THE CYBERGUY REPORT HERE
Voter registration box (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
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.
HOW TO GET RID OF ROBOCALLS WITH APPS AND DATA REMOVAL SERVICES
Vote button (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
HACKED, SCAMMED, EXPOSED: WHY YOU’RE 1 STEP AWAY FROM DISASTER ONLINE
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.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE U.S. NEWS
Man handing out American flags (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
FAKE SOFTWARE FIXES FUEL MONEY-STEALING MALWARE THREAT
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
-
News4 minutes agoExplosion at Lumber Mill in Searsmont, Maine, Draws Large Emergency Response
-
Politics10 minutes agoJustice Dept. Aims to Use Terrorism Laws to Target Mexican Officials
-
Business16 minutes agoSome Medicare Patients Can Now Get Free CBD
-
Science22 minutes agoArchaeologists Find Egyptian Mummy Buried With the ‘Iliad’
-
Culture40 minutes agoSpeculative Fiction Books Full of Real Horrors
-
Lifestyle46 minutes agoEating Healthy? No, They’re Eating Biblically.
-
Education52 minutes ago‘No Essay’ College Scholarships May Have Unseen Strings Attached
-
Technology58 minutes agoOpenAI keeps shuffling its executives in bid to win AI agent battle