Election 2020: Don't be fooled by misinformation and scams
Social media can be a great place for discussion, but it’s not the most reliable when it comes to news. Fake stories and disinformation are so common these days that it’s easy to get swept up by it and tricked into sharing.
To fight back against disinformation, sites like Twitter have put safeguards like fact-checking in place throughout the year. Unfortunately, these efforts can only go so far. Tap or click here to see how the FBI detected a voter disinformation campaign on social media.
Now that Election Day has arrived, it’s important to know what kind of fake news, misinformation and scams you might be facing over the coming days. Here are the top threats you need to watch out for, as well as what you can do about them when they appear in your feed or inbox.
1. Fake campaign ads can cost you money and time
Scammers are using the election to spread malicious ads on social media that can lead you to fake news and phishing sites. If you end up clicking one of these links, you could end up losing data and money. These ads may appear in your social media news feed or come through your inbox in the form of direct messages.
Some of these ads look like they’re from legitimate political campaigns or PACs. They will typically ask for donations to push a candidate over the finish line. Others will link you to news websites that feature shocking or sensationalized stories.
Clicking one of these ads will give scammers ad revenue. If you send a donation or spread the fake news, you’ll only increase the money they’re making. You’ll also be putting your financial information at risk.
How to stay safe:
- Avoid clicking political links if at all possible. If you want to make a donation to a candidate, visit their official website instead.
- Never share financial information over the web.
- Keep an eye out for obvious spelling and grammar errors on any ads or websites you visit.
- Never open messages on social media from unknown senders.
2. Don’t trust the stories in your feed
Social media is all about sharing, which is why it’s so easy for disinformation to go viral. If you see outrageous or emotionally-inciting stories or posts, be skeptical. It could be part of a disinformation campaign.
As an example, the FBI recently detected a disinformation campaign claiming voter registration lists are being purged or hacked. Some of the viral posts are claiming that this stolen information will prevent you from being able to vote.
How to spot 10 common election scams
The 2020 election is less than a month away. With millions of people voting, it’s a perfect opportunity for thieves to trick people and take their money.
How are crooks targeting victims? Phone and email scams are the most common tactics. But this year, they’re also leveraging social media to spread disinformation. Tap or click here to see why so many voters want social media shut down during the election.