Fake election campaigns ask for donations, 'investments' and voter details

What is happening

Scammers use the names, pictures and slogans of candidates to ask for donations to fake political committees, sell campaign goods that never arrive, or offer a 'campaign investment pool' that is said to pay out if the candidate wins. Others send texts or emails saying you are not registered to vote, with a link to a fake registration page that collects your personal details.

Where AI comes in

The FBI says scammers use AI to make realistic voices, pictures and written messages that pretend to be candidates, campaigns, government bodies and people you trust.

The warning signs

• A call, text, email or survey you did not ask for about the election
• A promise of guaranteed returns on a campaign donation
• Pressure to get friends or family to join in
• A message saying you are not registered to vote, with a link to click

What to do

1. Do not click links or share personal details with people you do not know
2. Check that a campaign or political committee is registered on the FEC website before giving
3. Check your voter registration yourself at vote.gov
4. Report it to the FBI at ic3.gov, with the sender's details and how you paid

Sources

1. Scammers Exploit 2026 U.S. Midterm Election to Perpetrate Multiple Fraud Schemes

   FBI IC3 · 2026-10-15

We summarise warnings published by the organisations above. If something here is wrong, tell us and we will correct it.