Ian Robertson
A few weeks ago, we created a blog post (Spot and Avoid Text Scams During the 2024 BC Provincial Election) that covered the risks associated with unsolicited text messages from unfamiliar sources. As we highlighted, these messages often come disguised as surveys, polls, or other forms of “voter research.” The aim may be to capture your personal data, build a profile for future targeting, or, in some cases, to simply confirm that your phone number is active.
Recently, however, there appears to be a new variant of these messages. Here’s an example of one going around:
"This is Kendra from ERG National Research with a public opinion poll. If a Federal Election occurred who would you vote for?
LIB
NDP
CON
GRN
STOP to Stop"
With a potential Canadian federal election on the horizon (though nothing has been officially called), these types of messages may become even more common. While they can sometimes appear legitimate, especially when they mention popular political parties or use official-sounding names, it’s important to approach them with caution. When you respond—even with a simple “Stop” to unsubscribe—you’re confirming that your number is active and monitored. This confirmation can increase the chances of receiving further messages from the same or similar sources, potentially opening you up to an influx of unwanted communication.
The Risks of Responding to Unknown Sources
1. Confirmation of a Valid Number: One of the primary goals of these texts is to verify your number as active. If a scammer or data collector knows that your phone number is in use and monitored, they can store it as a verified contact and potentially sell it to other marketers or data-gathering companies. This can lead to an increase in spam texts, scam calls, and even targeted phishing attempts over time.
2. Requesting Personal Information: After an initial response, these messages might request more specific data, such as your postal code. While it may seem harmless, your postal code can narrow down your location to a very specific area—sometimes as few as a single apartment building or a few houses. Combined with your phone number, it becomes easier for bad actors to build a profile on you, especially if they’re able to cross-reference this information with other sources.
3. Tailored Manipulation: If scammers gather enough data, they can craft more personalized, targeted scams. These scams can be especially convincing, as they may reference details specific to you or your area, increasing the likelihood of engagement. For instance, knowing your phone number and general location can help them craft messages about local events or policies, giving their scam a sense of legitimacy.
How to Minimize Your Risk
While we can’t predict the timing of elections, we can take proactive steps to reduce the risk of falling victim to these schemes:
- Don’t Engage: If you receive a message from an unknown source, the safest approach is to avoid responding altogether. Even if the message provides an option to “Stop” future texts, this reply could confirm to the sender that your number is valid. Avoiding engagement helps prevent further targeting.
- Report and Block: Most mobile devices and carriers have features to report spam messages. Reporting the message can help prevent others from receiving similar texts, and blocking the sender stops future messages from that number. While scammers often use multiple numbers, blocking each one helps reduce the influx over time.
- Verify Polling Sources: In Canada, legitimate surveys are often conducted by known polling organizations with transparent contact information. These organizations usually identify themselves clearly and often provide links to websites where you can verify their legitimacy. If you’re uncertain, visit their official websites to ensure they’re actively conducting research related to elections.
- Be Cautious with Your Data: Sharing your postal code or other personal information can seem minor, but it often reveals more than people realize. Keep in mind that any personal details provided over text could be used to build a more complete profile of you. Safeguard your personal information and be selective about whom you share it with.
A Note on ERG National Research
Recently, the Canadian Research Insights Council (CRIC) issued an alert regarding ERG National Research, a company that has been sending text messages asking Canadians who they would vote for in a potential federal election and then requesting postal codes. According to the CRIC, ERG National Research is NOT a CRIC member, and their messages do not meet CRIC Standards. Unlike CRIC members, ERG National Research does not clearly indicate the purpose of their questions or provide a way to contact them with concerns. For more details, see the full CRIC alert here.
The bottom line is to trust your instincts and err on the side of caution. Avoid interacting with unknown numbers or sharing personal information through text. This simple approach can help protect your data and reduce your exposure to unwanted communication, especially in the lead-up to a potential federal election.
About Robertson Technology Group
Robertson Technology Group, based in Victoria, BC, is dedicated to delivering reliable, secure IT solutions to local businesses and organizations. Our team specializes in proactive IT support, cybersecurity measures, and data privacy strategies tailored to meet the unique needs of our clients. With an emphasis on risk reduction and security, we help businesses navigate the complexities of today’s digital landscape, protecting them from threats like phishing scams, text-based fraud, and data breaches.
As election season heightens the risk of scams, Robertson Technology Group stands ready to provide expert guidance and support to keep our clients’ information safe. We pride ourselves on offering personalized IT solutions, ensuring that our clients can focus on their business while we manage their technology. Contact us today to learn how we can help secure your business and enhance your technology infrastructure.
