Scammers Exploit 2026 U.S. Midterm Election to Perpetrate Multiple Fraud Schemes
Scammers use the names, images, and slogans of candidates and political committees to take campaign donations, sell merchandise that never ships, and steal personal information. Some use AI-generated voices and messages to impersonate candidates and officials.
How it works
Scammers reach people through calls, texts, emails, ads, and websites that look like they belong to a candidate, party, or political action committee. They promise a guaranteed return on a campaign contribution, claim a donation supports a real PAC, sell political merchandise, or warn that the victim is not registered to vote. The ask is usually money, a payment for goods that never arrive, or personal details entered on a fake voter registration page.
Red flags to watch for
- Promises a guaranteed return on a political donation
- Says contributions will grow or be paid back after the election
- Pressures you to recruit friends to invest
- Merchandise seller ships nothing after you pay
- Texts say you are not registered, with a link to click
- Voter registration page asks for full Social Security number
- Unsolicited call or message claims to be from a campaign
What to do
Do not click links in unexpected texts or emails, and do not send money or personal details to anyone who reached out first. Check a PAC's registration and filings on the FEC website, and check your registration only at vote.gov. Report scams to your local FBI field office or to ic3.gov, including the phone number, email, website, and how you paid.
If this reached you
Source: FBI IC3 . Scam Sentinel summarizes official guidance in plain language; it is a decision aid, not a guarantee.