Fake campaign or political merchandise shop
During election season, scammers use candidate names, images, and slogans to sell merchandise that never arrives. This is a classic non-delivery scam dressed up as campaign gear.
How it works
You see an ad, a social post, or a website selling hats, shirts, or other items tied to a candidate or campaign. The branding looks familiar, so the shop feels official. You pay, but the item is never shipped, or what arrives is not what was promised. The FBI warned in October 2026 that scammers exploit midterm elections this way and may also collect personal information for later fraud. Research the seller before you buy, and be careful with sites you have never used before.
Red flags
- The shop appeared suddenly and uses a candidate's name, logo, or slogan.
- There are few reliable reviews, or complaints about items that never arrive.
- The site pushes you to pay quickly, sometimes with unusual payment methods.
- You cannot confirm that the campaign or party actually runs the store.
What to do
- Do not buy campaign gear from an unfamiliar site without checking it first.
- Look up the official campaign or party store, and check reviews or complaints on BBB.org.
- Pay with a credit card when you do shop, so you can dispute a charge if nothing arrives.
- Report non-delivery or a fake shop at ic3.gov and reportfraud.ftc.gov.
Where to report it
- reportfraud.ftc.gov — the FTC's report form.
- ic3.gov — the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.