Summary:
In a newly emerging trend, cybercriminals are using AI-generated deepfake voices and text messages to impersonate senior U.S. government officials in phishing attacks. According to a recent FBI advisory, these attacks have been ongoing since April 2025 and aim to trick victims, especially other officials or their contacts, into clicking malicious links or handing over sensitive information. The tactics include smishing (SMS phishing) and vishing (voice phishing using AI-generated audio). Once a target is compromised, attackers can use that access to target others in a chain reaction.

The goal of these impersonation schemes is to steal credentials, access personal or official accounts, and extract sensitive data or money by pretending to be a trusted contact. The FBI warns that this AI-powered social engineering presents a significant risk, especially when attackers replicate voices or use near-exact names, numbers, or web domains.

Security Officer Comments:
This is kind of scary stuff. Hackers are now using fake voices made by AI to sound just like real government officials. Imagine getting a call or text from someone who sounds like the President or another top official, except it’s a total fake. They try to trick people into clicking links or giving up secrets, and when they get access to one person’s info, they use that to go after others too. It’s like digital dominoes falling. Because it all sounds and looks real, it’s super easy to get fooled, so people really have to double-check everything now, especially if someone is asking you to click a link or share private stuff.

Suggested Corrections:
To stay safe from AI-powered impersonation and phishing attacks, the FBI recommends the following:

• Double-check who’s contacting you: Look up their number or email yourself—don’t just trust it.
• Watch for small changes in phone numbers, URLs, or names—attackers often use tricky lookalikes.
• Look for weird stuff in videos or voice messages—AI-generated content might not be perfect.
• Never share sensitive info (like passwords or codes) with anyone you haven’t verified personally.
• Don’t click random links from texts or emails—make sure you know who it’s from first.
• Use two-factor authentication (2FA) and never tell anyone your verification code.
• Avoid sending money or info to strangers, even if they seem familiar.
• Make a secret code word with family or coworkers, so you know it's really them if they contact you.

Link(s):
https://www.infosecurity-magazine.com/news/us-officials-impersonated-sms/https://www.ic3.gov/PSA/2025/PSA250515