Scams are popping up everywhere online. Fraudsters are quick to exploit current attention-grabbing topics, and right now, it’s all about politics and elections.

Be cautious of fake donation requests

With billions flowing into the elections for the House, Senate, and presidency in 2024, you’ve likely received multiple calls asking for financial support. These requests also come via text, videos, social media, and direct messages.

Here are some important tips to protect your finances:

◾ Use a credit card. Unlike checks or debit cards, credit cards offer better protections against scams.

◾ Never share payment details over the phone. Always donate through the official website.

◾ Avoid clicking on links. This applies to links in emails, texts, or other messages. When unsure, go directly to the legitimate campaign website for donations.

◾ Check if the organization is legitimate. Look for registered PACs listed by the Federal Election Commission.

◾ Research the PAC name. It’s worth your time to see if there’s any suspicious behavior associated with it. Some groups may divert funds intended for candidates to their own advisors and marketing efforts – this page can help.

Social media tip: TikTok has prohibited political fundraising since 2022. Any donation requests you see there are likely scams or attempts to bypass regulations, which you should avoid.

False information is spreading like wildfire

Your finances aren’t the only thing that needs protecting. Misinformation spreads rapidly online, with claims ranging from “The election is canceled” to “Non-citizens can vote this year.”

In some instances, foreign entities are behind these misinformation campaigns. Meta has identified the Kremlin as the leading source of AI-generated falsehoods ahead of the U.S. presidential election.

The most frequent scam on Facebook involves fictional “journalists” creating fake news articles. If an outlet seems unfamiliar, seek other sources to verify the story.

Sometimes, misleading information circulates when a joke is misinterpreted as fact. Consider the trend of altered electoral maps appearing on social media; they often portray a largely blue or red map and feature humorous captions suggesting how either party could secure the Electoral College. These are not authentic; do not propagate them.

Learn to recognize AI-generated images and videos

Election-related falsifications can be difficult to detect because there’s a wealth of public footage featuring politicians. The more data available, the more convincing the imitations become.

However, you can apply these guidelines to discern whether content is AI-generated:

◾ Backgrounds: Blurry or unclear backgrounds, unusual smooth surfaces, or inconsistent lines are key indicators of AI-generated images.

◾ Context: Trust your instincts. If the setting seems off regarding current events, weather, or what’s somehow feasible, it’s likely fake.

◾ Behavior: Since you’ve probably seen clips of major candidates multiple times, observe for differences in tone, inflection, and rhythm. If their speech or facial expressions seem strange or unnatural, it could be AI.

◾ Proportions: Look for objects that appear distorted or oddly sized, particularly features like ears, fingers, and feet.

◾ Angle: Deepfakes tend to be most convincing when the subject faces the viewer directly. Glitches might emerge when they turn or move.

◾ Text: AI struggles with spelling. Watch for made-up words on signs and labels.

◾ Chins: The lower portion of the face is a common tell for AI-generated candidate videos. It can be subtle, so look for unnatural or exaggerated chin and neck movements.

◾ Fingers and hands: Be on the lookout for unusual hand positions, extra-long fingers, or hands that appear misplaced.

◾ Accessories: Pay attention to earrings, clothing, and ties – discrepancies in these details can reveal fakes.

My best advice: Take your time. When something provokes a strong emotional response, we’re quick to accept it as truth and share it. Scammers rely on this impulsiveness. Watch the video multiple times and conduct your research before forming an opinion.

The views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the author and do not reflect those of YSL News. Stay updated on the latest technology trends on the Kim Komando Show, which is the largest in the nation.

On her weekend radio show, Kim engages with listeners, offering insights on the modern digital lifestyle. She discusses topics that range from smartphones and tablets to online privacy and protecting against data breaches. For daily advice, newsletters, and more, feel free to check out her website.