The FBI is warning Americans about four types of scams targeting voters ahead of the November 2026 midterm elections, including phishing messages targeting voter registration information.

The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) issued the warning on Oct. 15 as an update to a similar alert released ahead of the 2024 general election.

According to the FBI, scammers use candidates’ names, images, logos and slogans to solicit fraudulent campaign contributions, sell merchandise that is never delivered or steal personally identifiable information that can be used for identity theft and other fraud.

Scammers may also use artificial intelligence to create realistic voices, images and written messages impersonating candidates, campaigns, government entities and trusted contacts.

The FBI said these tactics can make scams harder to identify and increase the risk of financial loss or exposure of personal information.

The FBI identified four types of election-related scams.

Campaign Investment Pool Schemes

In campaign investment pool schemes, scammers promise victims guaranteed returns on contributions by claiming the money will be invested in a candidate’s campaign pool and paid out if the candidate wins. Victims may also be encouraged to recruit others to invest in the pool to increase their potential payout.

The FBI emphasized that campaign contributions are not investments and will not increase in value or be returned to donors.

Political Action Committee Scams

In political action committee schemes, also known as ScamPACs, scammers pose as legitimate political action committees, including super PACs or candidate campaign committees, to solicit donations. The scammers have no affiliation with the organizations they claim to represent and keep the money.

The FBI recommends reviewing political action committee, political party and candidate committee registrations and financial filings through the Federal Election Commission website.

The agency cautioned that some fraudulent PACs and super PACs may appear to be registered. Organizations reporting high expenses for fundraising, consulting, compliance or other administrative costs may warrant additional scrutiny.

Online Merchandise Scams

Online purchase scams involve fraudulent sellers advertising political merchandise but failing to deliver the products after receiving payment. The FBI describes these schemes as non-shipment scams or non-delivery fraud.

The agency recommends researching companies before making purchases by checking reviews and complaints through the Better Business Bureau.

Voter Registration Scams

Voter registration scams may involve unsolicited text messages or emails claiming recipients are not registered to vote. The messages direct recipients to fraudulent registration websites designed to collect personal information that can be used for identity theft or additional scams.

The FBI recommends checking voter registration status through the official Vote.gov website rather than clicking unfamiliar links in unsolicited messages.

FBI Shares Tips To Avoid Election Scams

The FBI recommends exercising caution when responding to unsolicited calls, text messages, emails and surveys. Officials advise against providing personal information to unknown individuals or clicking unfamiliar links.

The agency also recommends verifying that unsolicited contact information matches the organization it claims to represent.

How To Report Election Scams

Anyone who encounters an election-related scam is encouraged to report it to a local FBI field office or the Internet Crime Complaint Center.

The FBI recommends including as much information as possible in a report, including the name of the person or company involved, contact information, websites, financial transaction details and payment methods.

Reports should also describe how the contact began, the type of communication received, what the individual was told or instructed to do, what information was provided and any other details relevant to the incident.

The FBI issued additional warnings in October about threats to election workers and election crimes ahead of the November 2026 midterm election.

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