Political email phishing scams are designed to take advantage of heightened political activity and voter passion. They often mimic legitimate political campaigns, parties, or official government bodies to steal personal information, money, or to spread misinformation. Here's what to look out for to avoid falling victim to these scams:

 

Red Flags to Spot in Political Phishing Emails:

 

Urgent or Threatening Language: The email may pressure you to take immediate action, claiming you must donate "before the deadline," or that your voter registration is at risk. This sense of urgency is designed to make you act without thinking.

Requests for Sensitive Personal Information: Be wary of emails that ask for personal details beyond what is standard for a political donation. Legitimate campaigns will not ask for your Social Security number, bank account details, or driver's license number via an unsolicited email.

Suspicious Links and URLs: Hover over any links in the email before clicking. The URL that pops up should be the official, legitimate website of the candidate or organization. Scammers often use slightly misspelled domain names (e.g., "https://www.google.com/search?q=candidate-campaign.com" instead of "campaign.com") or domains that don't match the sender's name. Always look for "https://" at the beginning of the URL, as the "s" indicates a secure connection.

Requests for Unconventional Payment Methods: Legitimate campaigns typically accept credit cards and sometimes checks. Be extremely suspicious of requests for donations via wire transfers, gift cards, or payment apps like Venmo or Zelle, as these are nearly impossible to trace or recover once sent.

Generic Greetings and Poor Grammar: While some legitimate emails may have a generic greeting, it can also be a red flag. Be cautious of emails that address you as "Dear Friend" or "Dear Supporter" instead of using your name. Also, look for poor grammar, spelling errors, or awkward phrasing, which can be signs that the email was created by a scammer.

Unsolicited Messages and "Paid For By" Disclaimers: Political campaigns are often required by law to include a "Paid for By" disclaimer on their communications. If an email asking for a donation or survey doesn't have this, or if you can't find it on the linked page, it may be a scam. Be skeptical of any unsolicited message, especially if you haven't signed up for communications from that specific organization.

 

How to Protect Yourself:

 

Verify the Source: If you receive a suspicious email, do not click any links. Instead, go directly to the official campaign or organization website by typing the address into your browser. You can also call their official office using a phone number you find on the website or in a public directory.

Use Strong, Unique Passwords and Multi-Factor Authentication: Use a different password for every account, especially for financial and email accounts. Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) whenever possible. This adds an extra layer of security and makes it much harder for scammers to access your accounts even if they steal your password.

Be Skeptical of Fake Surveys and Voter Registration Offers: Scammers often use fake surveys or polls to collect personal information. Legitimate polls do not need your Social Security number or financial details. Similarly, be cautious of anyone offering to "help" you register to vote over the phone or by email, as this is a common tactic for identity theft.