Midterm election donation and voter-registration scams

What it looks like

Scammers exploit the 2026 U.S. midterm elections by using candidates' names, images, logos, and slogans to solicit fake campaign contributions, run ScamPACs with no real affiliation, sell political merchandise that never ships, and send fake voter-registration texts or emails that steal personal information. The FBI also warns that AI deepfakes can impersonate candidates, campaigns, or government entities. Some pitches frame donations as an "investment pool" with a promised payout after a candidate wins.

Who it targets

Voters and donors during the 2026 midterm election cycle.

Red flags

• Unsolicited ask to donate, "invest" in a campaign pool, or register to vote via a link in a text or email
• Guaranteed return or payout on a campaign contribution
• Political merchandise sold by unfamiliar sellers with no reliable reviews
• AI-generated voices, images, or messages that closely mimic a candidate or campaign

What to do if you clicked, paid, or replied

• Do not provide personal information or click unknown links from unsolicited election messages
• Remember: campaign donations are not investments and will not be returned or grow in value
• Verify PACs and candidate committees on the FEC website before donating
• Check your voter registration only at vote.gov
• Report election-related scams to your local FBI field office or ic3.gov

Still circulating?

FBI IC3 PSA dated October 15, 2026 warns these schemes target the 2026 midterms nationwide.