Cierra Lemott 
When it comes to scams, the people behind them swoop in during times of high emotion and when people aren’t thinking clearly. There is no exception when it comes to scams surrounding elections. In fact, there have been multiple scams to arise before the 2024 presidential election.
Some commonly seen scams include messages sent via email or phone, artificial intelligence-created content, phony fundraisers, fake websites and links and unofficial polling places.
In order to prevent yourself from being vulnerable to such scams and risks, always be alert when reviewing information that’s been sent to you or that appears on your social media feeds. Don’t click on links, especially if you’re not familiar with the sender. If something feels odd or off about something that you’re seeing or receiving, chances are it is. Keep yourself and your information protected and tell others who may be vulnerable to the same risks.
There will never be a time where you’re made to pay to register to vote, whether you register before the online deadline of October 20 or during the grace period which lasts from October 9 to November 5.
According to ABC7 Chicago, to prevent being sent to a location that isn’t a polling place, voters can verify where they’re supposed to go to vote by either reaching out to the Board of Elections or visiting the Illinois Board of Elections website.
Be careful when it comes to things surrounding the election as there are many scams going around. Be sure to thoroughly investigate the things you’re being sent or seeing before you believe them to be true.
By Cierra Lemott, Columbia College Chicago alum
Instagram: @kodakscamera
X: @LemottCierra
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