14 DAY TRIAL // With the presidential election in the United States drawing near, experts warn Internet users to be on the lookout for scams that may leverage the event.
For instance, a couple of phony donation websites – DemocraticNationalCommittee.org and RepublicanNationalCommittee.org – have been spotted. They allow supporters of the Democratic/Republican parties to make donations.
Of course, the money ends up in the pocket on the individual who runs them (they’re run by the same person).
ESET experts advise users who insist on making a donation to send checks via mail to trusted addresses or hand the money over in person to people who you know are working for the candidate.
Another type of scam that’s currently making the rounds involves phone calls. The con artist calls the potential victim and asks him/her to participate in a political survey.
No matter what they answer, after the survey is complete, they’re told that they won a free cruise. Although it’s free, the lucky winner is asked to pay for port fees with his/her credit card.
In reality, there’s no free cruise. Instead, the victims hand over a certain amount of money which they’ll probably never see again.
Experts also advise voters to beware of fraudulent fundraising phone calls. In these schemes, the crooks can easily impersonate anyone, which is why these types of donations should be avoided all together.
“Hang up the phone right away if someone calls about your voter registration and asks for credit card or Social Security number. Likewise send emails asking for such info straight to the trash. Deal only with the proper state agencies and trusted friends or family members when it comes to voter registration,” ESET researcher Cameron Camp says about vote eligibility scams.
Finally, US citizens must be on the lookout for the utility bill scam that has been making the rounds in the past period. The crooks are contacting potential victims – sometimes even in person – telling them that President Obama will pay their bills.
In reality, the fraudsters are after their victims’ social security numbers and banking information.