Home › Scam alerts › October 29, 2026
Three scams making the rounds this fall: fake deed letters, Medicare calls, and voter texts
Posted · Written by Daniel Morton, Scam, Fraud & Prevention Consultant, Winston-Salem, NC
Here are three scams that local, state, and federal officials have warned about in the past few weeks. Each one has a simple way to check before you pay or share anything.
1. Fake "property records" letters in Forsyth County
How it works: The Forsyth County Sheriff's Office says residents have received letters that claim to come from the "County Property Records Office" and say the person owes money for a copy of a deed transfer. The letters ask for a check or credit card information mailed to a P.O. box in Florida. The Sheriff's Office checked with the county, which confirmed the letter is not an official Forsyth County document.
Red flags deputies pointed out:
- The return address isn't in Winston-Salem
- Payment goes to Tampa, Florida
- Payment is requested by mail
What to do: Don't use the phone number or address in the letter. Call the Sheriff's Office at 336-727-2112, or find the Forsyth County Register of Deeds on the county's own website.
Sources: WXII, Sept. 4, 2026 · ABC45, Sept. 22, 2026
Read the full guide: Is that Forsyth County "property records" deed letter a scam? →
2. Medicare open enrollment calls and texts
How it works: Medicare open enrollment runs from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7. The Better Business Bureau told WCNC that scammers use calls and texts offering "better coverage at a better price" to get people's Medicare numbers, sometimes asking, "Did you get your new Medicare number? Read me your old one."
Red flags:
- An unexpected call or text asking for your Medicare number
- A salesperson who shows up at your door uninvited. The NC Department of Insurance says Medicare insurers aren't supposed to sell door to door.
What to do: Hang up. For free, unbiased help comparing plans, call North Carolina's SHIIP program at 855-408-1212 (weekdays, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.), visit Medicare.gov, or call 1-800-MEDICARE.
Sources: NC Department of Insurance, Oct. 14, 2026 · WCNC, Oct. 15, 2026
Read the full guide: Is that "Medicare" call a scam? What North Carolina seniors should know →
3. "You're not registered to vote" texts and fake campaign pitches
How it works: The FBI warns that some people are getting texts or emails saying they aren't registered to vote, with a link to a fake registration page built to collect personal information. The FBI also warns about "campaign investment pools" that promise a payout if a candidate wins, and fake political action committees that keep donations.
Red flags: a link in an unexpected text about your registration, or anyone calling a campaign donation an "investment." The FBI notes that donations never grow in value or get paid back.
What to do: Don't click the link. Check your registration yourself with the NC State Board of Elections voter search. Election Day is Nov. 3.
Sources: FBI IC3 public service announcement, Oct. 15, 2026 · WFMY News 2, Oct. 21, 2026
If something doesn't feel right
Take your time, and talk it over with someone you trust. If you think you've been targeted, call the NC Department of Justice at 1-877-5-NO-SCAM. There's no shame in it, and reporting helps your neighbors too.
This alert summarizes the news reports and official warnings linked above. It's general information, not legal or financial advice.