The FBI warns of fake videos making false election claims using its insignia

WASHINGTON (TNND) — The FBI warned Tuesday that videos circulating online on Election Day promoting false election narratives using the agency’s name and insignia.

“The fake news clipping falsely reports that the FBI purportedly stated that Americans should vote “remotely” because of the high threat of terrorism at polling stations, an FBI press release said. “This video is not authentic and does not accurately reflect the current threat situation or the security of the polling location.”

The other video contains a fake FBI press release alleging that management at five prisons in Pennsylvania, Georgia and Arizona manipulated inmate voting and colluded with a political party.

“This video is also not authentic and its content is false,” the FBI said.

In September, the Biden administration announced a series of sweeping measures against Russia to curb its efforts to influence the presidential election.

Kremlin-run media outlets and other online platforms were allegedly used to spread disinformation to U.S. voters.

On November 1, the FBI released a joint statement regarding another recent video by suspected Russian influencers that falsely depicted people claiming to be from Haiti voting illegally in several counties in Georgia.

Russian influencers were also accused of producing a second video that falsely accused a person associated with the Democratic presidential nomination of accepting bribes from a U.S. entertainer.

“In the lead-up to Election Day and in the weeks and months following, the IC expects Russia to create and publish additional media content designed to undermine confidence in the integrity of the election and divide Americans,” the FBI said.

Anyone who suspects criminal activity should report the information to state or local law enforcement by contacting the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or submitting a tip online at Tips.fbi.gov sends.