We're constantly warned about the dangers of fraudulent phone calls and text messages, and you'd probably think it would be pretty straightforward and obvious if something actually was a scam anyways.
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TL;DR Elections Quebec is warning Quebec residents of a text message scam that offers voters financial compensation from the CAQ. Sûreté du Québec is looking into the matter. More details below.
Well, that's where you're wrong. In recent weeks, Quebec voters have been targeted by a possible phishing scam, and it doesn't look like it'll be ending anytime soon.
Elections Quebec is warning the province of the scam, which sends voters an apparently "legitimate" text message thanking them for participating in the election.
The message proceeds to offer financial compensation on behalf of the CAQ, and even includes a website address that looks strikingly similar to (but definitely isn't) the real one. Those who submit their banking information for a deposit would be vulnerable to theft.
The text message, entirely in French, is riddled with grammatical errors and comes across as a bit odd, which is a big red flag. Elections Quebec immediately contacted provincial police when they discovered the scam was circulating earlier this month, but it hasn't come to a stop yet, nor is there a lead on the scammers' identity.
Elections Quebec warned through a Tweet that they will never offer payment for voting, so you can rule out any messages from "official" sources offering incredible rewards or deals.
Important! Un faux message texte circule présentement.
Sachez qu’en aucun cas, Élections Québec n’offrirait une rétribution en lien avec votre participation aux élections générales du 1er octobre dernier.
Voir ci-dessous le message auquel nous faisons référence. pic.twitter.com/P65tdrHI3e
Sûreté du Québec is currently determining if there are grounds to investigate, but in the meantime you might just want to ignore any strange or unexpected text messages you receive. Who knows what kind of scam could be under the deceiving surface.
