The FBI says scammers are exploiting the 2026 midterm election to run multiple fraud schemes. Expect political-season pitches to keep coming as November nears.
Midterm Election Scams on the Rise
- The FBI warned on Oct. 15 that scammers are using the 2026 midterm election to run multiple fraud schemes.
- A separate FBI alert cautions voters about election crimes ahead of the November vote.
- Election season brings a flood of calls, texts and emails, which gives fraudsters cover to blend in.
- Verify any election-related request before sharing money or personal details.
Source: FBI IC3 alerts: Scammers Exploit 2026 U.S. Midterm Election to Perpetrate Multiple Fraud Schemes · FBI IC3 alerts: FBI Warns Voters on Election Crimes Ahead of the November 2026 Midterm Election
Sextortion 'Help' Firm Halted
- A federal court temporarily halted Digital Forensics Corporation LLC and its CEO at the FTC's request.
- The FTC alleges the firm took millions of dollars with false promises to identify sextortion criminals and stop attacks.
- The FTC calls sextortion a rapidly growing threat, often run by foreign scammers.
- Victims in a panic can be targeted a second time by paid 'rescue' services that overpromise.
$9.8 Million Back for Wire-Fraud Victims
- The FTC is sending more than $9.8 million to consumers harmed through Walmart's wire transfer services.
- Scammers used those services to take hundreds of millions of dollars from U.S. consumers, according to the FTC.
- Walmart settled FTC charges in June 2025 over allegedly weak anti-fraud policies and staff training.
- Wire transfers are a favorite scam payment method because money is hard to recover once sent.
Ticket Broker Sued Over Bulk Buying
- The FTC sued REPS & Company Inc., alleging it dodged limits on how many tickets one buyer can purchase.
- The broker allegedly bought millions of tickets to high-demand events and resold them at a significant profit.
- Such tactics can leave fans paying inflated resale prices for popular shows.