The FBI has revealed that a sophisticated deepfake campaign targeting U.S. government officials and their networks has been active since at least 2023. The operation, carried out by unknown actors using AI voice-cloning technology, aims to impersonate senior officials and extract sensitive or classified information.
Originally, the bureau reported in May 2025 that the attacks had been occurring since April of that year. However, new evidence indicates that these malicious activities may have been ongoing for over two years.
“Investigations show that individuals have impersonated high-ranking officials from state governments, the White House, Cabinet offices, and Congress, targeting both officials and their close personal and professional contacts,” the FBI stated in a public advisory.
Methods of Attack
The impersonators leverage encrypted messaging platforms such as Signal, WhatsApp, and Telegram to convince victims they are communicating with legitimate government representatives. Scammers often begin with SMS outreach, gradually moving the conversation to encrypted apps under the pretext of discussing sensitive matters.
Once trust is established, the fake official engages the target on familiar topics and may propose high-profile opportunities, such as meetings with senior officials or nominations to corporate boards. This sets the stage for requests for sensitive data, including passport images, device access, or contact list information.
According to the FBI, access to the victim’s contacts allows scammers to launch subsequent waves of impersonation, targeting additional individuals through “smishing” (SMS phishing) or “vishing” (voice phishing).
Notable Incidents
In July, the State Department issued a warning to diplomats after reports surfaced of AI-generated audio and text messages impersonating Secretary of State Marco Rubio. In 2024, a deepfake video appeared online showing former State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller allegedly suggesting Russian cities were valid military targets for Ukraine—an entirely fabricated scenario.
The FBI’s findings underscore the increasing use of artificial intelligence in cybercrime and the heightened risks posed to government personnel and their networks. Officials are urged to remain vigilant, verify communications rigorously, and implement security protocols to mitigate potential breaches.
