With the 2024 elections approaching, online scams and misinformation are on the rise. Learn how to safeguard your finances and stay informed amid the barrage of deceptive tactics.
A deluge of fraudulent campaigns and solicitations is targeting political donations, exploiting the heightened attention on the upcoming elections. Be vigilant to avoid falling prey to these scams.
Election Scams and Misinformation: How to Protect Yourself
- Use a credit card for donations, as it offers robust scam protection.
- Steer clear of providing payment information over the phone or through suspicious links.
Election Scams and Misinformation: How to Protect Yourself
- Verify the authenticity of organizations by checking their registration with the Federal Election Commission.
- Conduct thorough research to identify any questionable activities, such as excessive payments to advisors or marketing campaigns.
Election Scams and Misinformation: How to Protect Yourself
False information spreads rapidly online, potentially swaying public opinion and undermining the integrity of elections. Counteract misinformation by:
- Exercising caution with unfamiliar "news" sources. Corroborate stories from reputable outlets.
Election Scams and Misinformation: How to Protect Yourself
- Ignoring mock electoral maps presented as real results.
- Understanding the tactics used to create AI-generated fake images and videos, such as blurred backgrounds, unnatural facial movements, and spelling errors.
- Focusing on context and scrutinizing the believability of content before sharing it widely.
Deepfakes and other AI-powered videos can create convincing simulations of candidates delivering speeches or engaging in interviews. Look for subtle indicators to determine if a video is genuine:
- Background: Blurred or inconsistent backgrounds often signal AI fabrication.
- Context: Assess whether the video aligns with the current climate and physical possibilities.
- Behavior: Watch for unnatural speech patterns, facial reactions, or movements.
- Proportions: Inspect the sizes and positions of objects and body parts for any discrepancies.
- Text: Check for misspelled words or unusual phrases.
- Chins and Faces: Pay attention to unnatural movements or distortions in the chin and lower face.
- Fingers and Hands: Observe for unusual hand positions, extra fingers, or distorted digits.
- Accessories: Scrutinize jewelry, clothing, and other details for inconsistencies.
In the face of emotionally charged videos and messages, take time to pause and analyze critically. Watch content multiple times, do your research, and refrain from hastily sharing or believing information that elicits strong reactions. Remember, scams and misinformation thrive on our emotional responses. By staying vigilant, you can protect yourself and maintain a well-informed stance during the 2024 elections.
