Election and political scam texts in 2026: voter, polling place, and donation texts

The three texts to watch for

• "You’re not registered." A text or email says you aren’t registered and links to a fake state registration page that collects personal information (FBI IC3). More on this one: fake voter registration texts.
• "Your polling place changed." Lying about the time, place, or manner of an election to keep people from voting is a federal election crime (FBI IC3). Treat any surprise change as unconfirmed until you check it yourself.
• "Donate now" or "double your money." The FBI describes fake PACs that keep donations, and "investment pools" that promise a payout if a candidate wins (FBI IC3). Campaign donations are not an investment and won’t be paid back (FBI IC3).

The FBI also says scammers use AI to make voices, images, and messages that look like they come from candidates, campaigns, and government offices (FBI IC3). A message looking real is not proof that it is.

How to check before you act

1. Registration: type vote.gov into your browser, or use your state’s election site (FBI IC3, USAGov).
2. Polling place: the FBI says to use official websites, like the U.S. Election Assistance Commission or USA.gov, to find the date, time, and location of your polling place (FBI IC3). The EAC lists every state’s election office.
3. Donations: look up the committee on the Federal Election Commission site before you give (FBI IC3). The FBI notes some scam PACs can appear registered, so high spending on fundraising or consulting is a warning sign (FBI IC3).
4. Pay safely: give by credit card or check. If someone wants cash, a gift card, or a wire transfer, don’t do it (FTC).

Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2026 (FEC).

What to do if you already responded

1. If you typed in your Social Security number or birthday, freeze your credit. It’s free and doesn’t hurt your score (CFPB). Then get a recovery plan at IdentityTheft.gov.
2. If you donated by card, watch your statement for charges you didn’t agree to, including repeat donations (FTC). Call your card company using the number on your card if something looks wrong.
3. If you only tapped the link, read what to do after clicking a scam link.
4. Report it (see below).

How to report it

• Election scams: your local FBI field office or IC3.gov (FBI IC3).
• False information about when or where to vote: report it to the FBI, with a screenshot if you can (FBI IC3). You can send a tip at tips.fbi.gov.
• The text itself: forward it to 7726 (SPAM) and report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov (FTC).

This page is general information, not legal or financial advice. If money already left your account, call your bank or card company first.