Election and Current-Events Scams
Elections, disasters, health scares and big news stories are quickly followed by scams. How scammers borrow headlines, fake appeals and fake news, and how to respond.
When something big happens, such as an election, a natural disaster, a health scare, a financial crisis or a celebrity death, people rush online for information and ways to help. Scammers rush too. Within hours, they send fake news links, fake donation appeals, fake relief programmes and fake investment "opportunities" tied to the headline.
How scammers use current events
| Event | Scams that follow |
|---|---|
| Elections | Fake donation pages, fake polls collecting data, "register again" messages, fake candidate giveaways. |
| Natural disasters | Fake appeals, fake relief grants, fake repair contractors. See fake charity scams. |
| Health emergencies | Fake cures and tests, fake contact tracing or vaccine appointment messages. |
| Economic news | Fake relief payments, "crash-proof" investments, debt relief scams. |
| Big news stories | Shocking headlines and "leaked videos" that lead to phishing pages or malware. |
| Government policy changes | Fake registration for new benefits or programmes. See fake government programmes. |
The bigger the headline, the more careful you should be with links about it. Go to trusted news and official websites directly.
Illustrative examples
hxxps://voter-verify-2026[.]info- A fee to vote, which does not exist in genuine elections.
- A link that is not the electoral authority's official website.
- Sensational wording to drive clicks.
- "Before it's deleted" pressure.
- Such links often lead to fake login pages or malicious downloads.
How to respond to headline scams
- Get news from established sources, by typing their addresses or using their official apps.
- Check official information on government and electoral authority websites.
- Give through established charities you have checked.
- Pause before sharing dramatic links. You may spread a scam to friends and family.
- Never pay to vote, register, or receive relief.
Received a link about breaking news? Paste it into CyberWatch AI Scan for a free check before you open or share it.
Current-events scams follow the same pattern as seasonal scams. For more, read the complete guide to online scams.
Frequently asked questions
What are common election scams?
Fake donation requests, fake polls and surveys that collect personal data, messages claiming you must pay or register again to vote, and fake giveaways from candidates.
How soon after a disaster do scams appear?
Often within hours. Fake appeals, fake relief programmes and fake news links spread quickly on social media and messaging apps.
How do I check a news story I saw in a message?
Look for it on the websites of established news organizations, by typing their addresses yourself, before clicking links or sharing.
Sources
- How To Avoid Scams After Weather Emergencies and Natural Disasters, US Federal Trade Commission
- Before Giving to a Charity, US Federal Trade Commission
- How To Avoid a Government Impersonation Scam, US Federal Trade Commission
