FBI warns of election-related fraud schemes

The FBI warned this week of multiple types of election-related fraud schemes perpetrated by scammers targeting American voters in the lead-up to Election Day. 

The bureau said Tuesday that scammers use slogans, names and images of candidates running for office to steal victims' personal information, sell merchandise and fraudulently solicit campaign contributions. 

The law enforcement agency pointed to four ways voters could fall victim to election-related scams. Voters could be deceived into submitting funds to a joint pool of money to support a candidate. If the candidate wins, they are promised a return. 

Americans could also be hoodwinked into thinking they are donating money to a legitimate PAC, when in reality the scammer who contacted them is not connected to the organization and ends up keeping the funds, the FBI stated.

Similarly, they could be scammed into buying merchandise with a logo of the candidate they support, but the company selling it is not connected to the campaign, and therefore the piece does not end up being shipped to the customer, the FBI warned. 

Lastly, the bureau highlighted victims getting emails or text messages, alleging they are not registered to vote in the state and telling them to follow a link to a fraudulent page meant to steal personally identifiable information. 

To protect Americans, the FBI said voters should be “cautious” when getting unsolicited calls, texts and emails and advised people to not click on unknown links. The bureau said that voters should check the status of PACs on the Federal Election Commission website before donating money. The public's voter registration status can be checked at www.vote.gov, the FBI said.