AI-Powered Phishing Targets US Officials, FBI Warns
Cybercriminals have been exploiting AI to impersonate senior US officials in sophisticated phishing schemes since April 2025. The FBI has issued a warning about these threats, which use deepfake voices and videos to trick victims into revealing sensitive information.
The schemes, dubbed 'smishing' and 'vishing', involve sending fake text messages and AI-generated voice messages to senior US federal and state government officials and their contacts. The messages often contain malicious links designed to gain unauthorized access to personal or official accounts. The goal is twofold: to target others within the government and to extract sensitive information or financial resources. Investigators have observed these schemes since at least April 2025, with the FBI issuing an advisory on May 15, 2025, to raise awareness about the growing threat.
The use of AI in these phishing schemes highlights the evolving nature of cybercrime. Officials and their contacts are urged to remain vigilant, verify the authenticity of messages, and report any suspicious activity to the appropriate authorities.
