This scam involves artificial intelligence (AI), as well as the impersonation of officials.
According to an FBI public service announcement, United States residents should be on the alert for “an ongoing malicious text and voice messaging campaign.”
“Since April 2025, malicious actors have impersonated senior US officials to target individuals, many of whom are current or former senior US federal or state government officials and their contacts,” the announcement reads. “If you receive a message claiming to be from a senior US official, do not assume it is authentic.”
The FBI announcement explains these text and voice messages are AI-generated, and attempt to establish rapport with potential victims as a means to gaining access to personal information. One such way is by sending the victim a link for them to click.
“Access to personal or official accounts operated by US officials could be used to target other government officials, or their associates and contacts, by using trusted contact information they obtain,” the announcement continues. “Contact information acquired through social engineering schemes could also be used to impersonate contacts to elicit information or funds.”
The FBI urges people to refrain from ever sharing personal information — be it someone else’s or their own — with someone online or over the phone. It is also highly recommended to very contact information through a trusted source or previously confirmed platform to verify the authenticity of a message.
Two- or multi-factor authentication on your personal accounts is also highly suggested for added protection. Be sure to also be careful as to what you download or click on in a message.
If you believe you’ve been victim to such a a scam, please click this link to contact your FBI Field Office or head over to theInternet Crime Complain Center (IC3)to file a report, and to see which next steps may be required.
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