FBI Warns of AI Scam Targeting Phone Users

A scam using artificial intelligence voice messages is targeting individuals to steal personal account information and illicitly obtain money, according to the FBI.

The scam, known as smishing or vishing, involves actors sending text messages and AI-generated voice messages claiming to be senior U.S. federal or state government officials to gain access to personal accounts. These incidents have been reported since April with “malicious actors” claiming to be senior U.S. officials and their contacts, the FBI reports.

One tactic involves sending a “malicious link” in a separate messaging platform, which could introduce malware or direct individuals to sites that steal login information.

The agency wrote that access to personal or official accounts could be used to target other government officials or contacts by using trusted contact information they obtain. Contact information acquired through social engineering schemes could be used to impersonate contacts to elicit information or funds.

The FBI says it’s important to be able to spot a fake message.