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Is that "you're not registered to vote" text a scam? How North Carolina voters can check
Last updated · Written by Daniel Morton, Scam, Fraud & Prevention Consultant, Winston-Salem, NC
Short answer: Treat it as a scam and don't click the link. The FBI warns that texts or emails saying you aren't registered to vote can lead to fake registration pages built to collect personal information; North Carolina voters can check their registration themselves with the NC State Board of Elections voter search.
How it works
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
- 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, 2026.
If you already responded
If you typed personal information into a link from one of these texts, watch your accounts closely, and if you think your identity was stolen, go to IdentityTheft.gov. If you gave a card number, call the number on the back of your card. You can report the scam to the FBI at ic3.gov.
Who to call in North Carolina
- NC State Board of Elections voter search
- FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center: ic3.gov
- NC Department of Justice consumer hotline: 1-877-5-NO-SCAM (1-877-566-7226), or file a consumer complaint
- Federal Trade Commission: ReportFraud.ftc.gov
Common questions
- How do I check my voter registration in North Carolina?
- Use the NC State Board of Elections voter search at vt.ncsbe.gov/RegLkup yourself instead of clicking a link in a text.
- What does the FBI say about voter registration texts?
- The FBI warns that some texts or emails saying you aren't registered to vote link to a fake registration page built to collect personal information.
- Can a campaign donation be an investment?
- No. The FBI notes that donations never grow in value or get paid back. Anyone calling a donation an "investment" is a red flag.
Sources
Take your time, and talk it over with someone you trust. There's no shame in being targeted, and reporting helps your neighbors too. This page summarizes the official warnings and news reports linked above. It's general information, not legal or financial advice.
Want an extra layer of protection? Start with the free steps above. If you'd also like to compare paid tools like identity monitoring, call blockers or medical alert devices, see our plain-language protection guide.
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