FRESNO, California – Cody Sarhan, Communications Specialist
Scammers thrive on chaos and urgency, and major events like elections provide the perfect breeding ground. During the 2024 election cycle, we’re already seeing a rise in phishing emails and fake websites designed to look like official voting resources. But this year, scammers have a new weapon: AI. According to CISA, generative AI may amplify existing risks to election infrastructure.
Learn More: Find out how Xobee can safeguard your personal info from external threats
Gone are the days of broken English and obvious typos. With tools like ChatGPT and other advanced language models, scammers can craft perfectly polished emails that look legit. AI also allows them to create realistic deepfake videos and audio clips, impersonating political figures or trusted organizations. Imagine receiving a call from someone who sounds exactly like your local election official, urging you to donate. I don’t think I need to tell you this, but that money isn’t going where you think it’s going.
2024 has been dubbed “the digital wild west” by experts, and there is a gold rush on new victims for scammers to mine for data and money.
Scams Tailored to Current Events
AI isn’t just making scams look better; it’s making them more targeted. By scraping social media and public data, AI-powered scams can be hyper-personalized. For example:
- Election Donation Scams. Fake donation pages with AI-generated images of candidates and heartfelt pleas for your support.
- Fake Political Surveys. Click on a survey link, and suddenly you’re asked to “verify your identity” by entering sensitive information.
- Phishing Attacks Posing as News Outlets. Scammers mimic major news websites with AI-crafted articles and links to malware.
It’s not just elections. Scammers are piggybacking on other headline-making events like the Olympics or product launches to sell counterfeit merchandise or promote fake tickets. And thanks to AI, these scams look incredibly convincing.
How to Outsmart the Scammers
The good news? You don’t have to be a tech expert to stay safe. Here’s how you can protect yourself from falling victim to these AI-fueled scams:
AI-Generated Fake Products and Services
AI isn’t just being used to scam voters and event-goers; it’s also helping scammers dream up entire fake businesses. With AI-generated product images, fake reviews, and believable social media posts, scammers can set up online stores selling non-existent goods in minutes.
Imagine scrolling through Instagram and seeing an ad for a “must-have gadget” that’s “trending in 2024.” The website looks professional, the reviews are glowing, and the product photos are flawless. You place an order, only to find out weeks later that the store doesn’t exist. You’ve been had.
Even services aren’t safe. Some scammers are using AI to create fake “customer support” teams. Victims think they’re chatting with a real person, but it’s an AI bot designed to extract personal information or payments.
How Xobee Can Help
Cybercrime isn’t just an individual problem — it’s a societal issue. When scammers target elections, they’re not just stealing money but eroding trust in democratic processes. When they exploit major events, they’re turning moments of joy and excitement into sources of stress and financial loss.
By staying vigilant and spreading awareness, we can make it harder for scammers to succeed. At Xobee Networks, we’re committed to helping businesses and individuals navigate the complex world of cybersecurity. From phishing prevention to advanced threat monitoring, we’re here to keep you safe in 2024 and beyond.
Contact one of our experts today, and protect your personal freedom.
Xobee Networks now has engineers servicing clients within Fresno, Clovis, Madera, San Jose, Sacramento, San Francisco & the Bay Area, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Las Vegas, Bakersfield, San Diego, San Luis Obispo, Anaheim, Palm Springs, and more.
Cody Sarhan | Communications Specialist, Xobee Networks
