Key points
- Scammers use AI to create realistic voices and images of candidates.
- Fraud schemes include fake PACs, non-delivery of goods, and voter registration phishing.
- The FBI urges verification of all election-related contacts before sending money.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation warns that scammers could exploit the 2026 U.S. midterm elections to perpetrate financial fraud schemes. According to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center, these schemes target victims across the United States and have previously exploited state and local elections. The agency states that fraudsters use the names, images, logos, and slogans of candidates to fraudulently solicit campaign contributions. They also sell merchandise that is never delivered or steal personally identifiable information for other fraud.
In plain English
Scammers are using artificial intelligence tools to generate highly realistic voices, images, and written messages. According to the FBI IC3, these AI-generated materials impersonate candidates, campaigns, government entities, and trusted contacts. This level of realism makes the schemes harder for victims to detect. The FBI notes that this increases the likelihood of financial loss or exposure of personally identifiable information. Victims may believe they are interacting with legitimate political figures or official campaign staff when they are not.
The background
The FBI issued this public service announcement as an update to a warning published on October 29, 2024. That earlier alert, titled “Scammers Exploit 2024 US General Election to Perpetrate Multiple Fraud Schemes,” covered similar tactics. The current advisory highlights specific variations, including investment scams that promise guaranteed returns on campaign contributions. Scammers also operate fake Political Action Committees, known as ScamPACs, which have no affiliation with legitimate groups. Additionally, fraudsters send texts or emails claiming recipients are not registered to vote, directing them to fraudulent pages to steal data.
What changes now
The FBI emphasizes that campaign donations are not investments and will not increase in value or be returned. Scammers encourage victims to recruit others to invest in these fake pools to increase payouts. The agency advises checking the Federal Election Commission website to verify PAC registration and financial filings. The FBI warns that some scam PACs may appear registered but report high expenses for fundraising or consulting. The public should confirm that unsolicited contact information is associated with the organization it claims to represent before engaging.
Who needs to act first
Teams usually prioritize reviewing outgoing payment approvals and verifying sender identities for any election-related communications. Check whether existing vendor contacts have changed domains or phone numbers, as scammers often mimic trusted entities. Back up financial records and ensure that staff know to pause transactions if AI-generated content is suspected. Reduce exposure by restricting who can authorize donations or purchases from political entities. Monitor employee inboxes for urgent requests involving campaign contributions or merchandise orders, and establish a secondary verification channel for all such requests.
What to do and how to stay safe: FBI
- Verify the registration status of any Political Action Committee or candidate committee on the Federal Election Commission website before sending funds.
- Confirm unsolicited contact information by calling the organization using a known, trusted phone number rather than replying to the message.
- Check voter registration status directly at www.vote.gov instead of clicking links in emails or text messages.
- Report any suspected election-related fraud to the local FBI field office or the Internet Crime Complaint Center with full transaction details.
Step-by-step guide: Phishing Risks and Protection for Small Business Operations
General security guidance from the Patch Herald newsroom. It is not confirmed advice from the organisations named in this story.
Frequently asked questions
How can I tell if a PAC is legitimate?
Review the committee's registration and financial filings on the Federal Election Commission website, noting if expenses for fundraising or consulting seem unusually high.
What should I do if I receive a text about voter registration?
Do not click the link; instead, check your voter registration status directly at www.vote.gov to ensure your information is correct.
Are campaign donations considered investments?
No, the FBI states that campaign donations are not investments, will not increase in value, and are not returned to the donor.
