America is always under attack. But it’s starting to get scary.
Now the FBI issued an urgent warning that every American needs to hear.
FBI Issues Warning on AI Impersonation Scams Targeting Officials’ Circles
The FBI has alerted the public to a growing threat where criminals employ artificial intelligence to impersonate senior U.S. government officials, using techniques like text messaging (smishing) and AI-generated voice calls (vishing) to deceive victims.
In a December 19 announcement, the agency detailed how these scams have become more prevalent since at least 2023.
“Since at least 2023, malicious actors have sent text messages and AI-generated voice messages — techniques known as smishing and vishing, respectively — that claim to come from a senior U.S. official to establish rapport with targeted individuals,” the FBI stated.
The scams often target contacts of high-level officials, including family members, posing as figures from the Cabinet, Congress, or the White House.
Tactics Used in the Impersonation Schemes
Scammers initiate contact by engaging victims in short discussions on familiar topics, such as policy or current events, before suggesting a switch to encrypted apps.
“Malicious actors are impersonating senior U.S. officials via text and AI-generated voice messages and targeting their contacts, including family members,” the FBI noted.
“In this scheme, actors reach out to victims and engage them in a brief conversation on a topic they are knowledgeable about. They quickly request to move the discussion to a secondary, encrypted messaging app.”
Once on platforms like Signal or Telegram, perpetrators may solicit sensitive details—such as passport information or access codes—or request wire transfers to overseas accounts under false pretenses.
FBI Recommendations for Protection
The bureau emphasized the sophistication of modern AI tools and urged vigilance.
“AI-generated content has advanced to the point that it is often difficult to identify. When in doubt about the authenticity of someone wishing to communicate with you, contact your relevant security officials or the FBI for help,” the FBI advised.
Recommendations include verifying contacts through independent channels, like known phone numbers, and reporting suspicious activity.
This warning builds on a similar FBI public service announcement from May, reflecting the broader rise in AI-driven fraud as the technology evolves.
