Security researchers track scams aimed at voters before the 2026 midterms, including fake voter registration texts

What happened

Researchers at Check Point Exposure Management have released a report on scams aimed at voters ahead of the 2026 midterm election, KTNV Channel 13 reported. The report is titled "2026 US Midterm Election Threats: Pre-Election Update."

According to KTNV, the report looks at scam activity the researchers observed between July and early October 2026. Tony Sabaj of Check Point Software spoke with the station about how these schemes work and what voters should keep in mind. For more on the races on the ballot, see our election coverage.

Why voting gives scammers an opening

A process people rarely go through

Sabaj told KTNV that bad actors take advantage of the fact that voting is something most people do not do very often. He said these are not things people deal with on a daily basis, so it can be really hard at times to tell whether something is a scam.

No need to invent urgency

Sabaj said election scammers do not have to create a sense of urgency. According to KTNV, he said a sense of urgency is usually what leads people to put their guard down a little and fall for some scams.

Tactics the expert described

Fake registration texts

One method Sabaj pointed to is a fake text message telling someone they are not registered to vote. He listed it among the voting-related issues people rarely handle, which he said can make scams hard to spot.

Donation and PAC appeals

Sabaj also cited "Political action committees and donations" as a way scammers reach voters. He told KTNV that people should consider whether they are on a real website tied to a candidate's campaign.

Using a made-up candidate named Jane Doe as an example, he said someone who wants to donate should go find out what that candidate's actual website is.

Smaller, lower-profile races

According to KTNV, Sabaj said lesser-known contests that draw less publicity may also be targets for scammers. He explained that this is because major races have campaign staffers specifically looking for scams and ways to shut them down fast.

Registration rules and where to report

Campaigns must register with the FEC

In discussing donations, Sabaj noted a federal registration requirement for campaigns and committees. "All official campaigns and political action committees all have to be registered with the Federal Election Commission," he told KTNV.

Report suspected scams to the FBI

KTNV reported that anyone who believes they have been the victim of a scam, or who wants to report one in general, can share that information with the FBI.

What to watch next

• The 2026 midterm election, which the Check Point pre-election report and KTNV's coverage focus on.
• Fake texts claiming a voter is not registered, a tactic Sabaj described to KTNV.
• Scam activity around smaller, lower-profile races, which Sabaj said may also be targets because they get less publicity.