The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has issued a public alert warning of a growing trend in which malicious actors are using artificial intelligence (AI) to impersonate senior U.S. officials. The alert, released on December 19, 2025, draws attention to a sophisticated and increasingly prevalent form of social engineering in which AI-generated messages—both voice and text—are employed to deceive victims. The FBI noted that it has observed such activity dating back to 2023, highlighting a multi-year pattern of targeted impersonations designed to exploit individuals for financial gain, sensitive information, or political manipulation.
According to the alert, threat actors have impersonated a wide range of officials, including state government leaders, White House and Cabinet-level officials, and members of Congress. These impersonations are carried out using AI-generated voice messages in “vishing” campaigns and AI-generated text messages in “smishing” campaigns. The campaigns are designed to establish trust and direct the victim to communicate via encrypted messaging platforms such as Signal, Telegram, or WhatsApp, where the threat actors can manipulate the target with greater security and secrecy.
The alert details a number of strategies used by these malicious actors. In some instances, the impersonators discuss current events to appear knowledgeable and authoritative, building credibility with the victim. Other tactics include probing for information about U.S. policy, proposing meetings with high-ranking officials, and requesting sensitive documents or wire transfers to foreign financial institutions. Additional methods include claiming that the victim has been appointed to a company’s board of directors, asking for authentication codes to sync devices with the victim’s contacts, or seeking introductions to the victim’s acquaintances.
FBI officials emphasize that the initial contact is often a seemingly innocuous text message. Once the victim responds, the actor requests the conversation be moved to an encrypted platform. The use of these secure messaging apps complicates detection and allows the impersonators to operate with minimal oversight, making it more difficult for victims or authorities to track fraudulent activity in real time.
The FBI’s alert highlights that the sophistication of AI-generated impersonations presents unique challenges. AI can replicate voices with striking accuracy, mimic speech patterns, and create realistic text and multimedia content that closely mirrors the style and communication habits of the targeted official. In some cases, the generated content may include subtle visual or auditory cues that are difficult to detect without careful scrutiny, such as minor imperfections in facial features, unnatural gestures, or slightly distorted backgrounds.
Given these risks, the FBI has provided detailed recommendations for identifying and mitigating these threats. First, individuals are advised to verify the identity of anyone contacting them via text, email, or phone call. This verification should include researching the originating number, organization, or person and then independently contacting the individual or office through trusted channels to confirm authenticity. The FBI emphasizes that victims should avoid relying solely on the contact information provided by the initial communication, as scammers frequently manipulate numbers, email addresses, or URLs to appear legitimate.
The alert also advises closely examining images, videos, and voice messages for inconsistencies. AI-generated visuals often contain imperfections, such as distorted hands or feet, unrealistic facial features, irregular shadows, and unnatural movements. Likewise, AI-generated voices may be nearly identical to a target official’s voice, but subtle differences in tone, inflection, or timing can serve as red flags. Attention to detail can help distinguish legitimate communications from AI-fabricated messages.
Another key recommendation from the FBI is vigilance regarding the wording, tone, and content of communications. Scammers often employ language intended to evoke urgency, fear, or trust, which can override critical thinking and prompt hasty decisions. For example, an AI-generated voice call may convey a sense of authority or familiarity, urging a victim to act quickly without verification. Recognizing these psychological tactics is essential for maintaining security.
The FBI also underscores the importance of consulting with security officials when uncertainty arises. If a communication appears suspicious or if there is any doubt about the authenticity of a message, individuals should contact their organization’s cybersecurity team, the relevant federal agency, or the FBI directly. Proactive engagement and reporting can help law enforcement track emerging threats, prevent fraudulent activity, and warn others who may be targeted.
The rise of AI-enabled impersonation campaigns is part of a broader trend in cybersecurity threats that exploit advanced technologies for criminal purposes. The FBI’s alert notes that AI tools have evolved rapidly, enabling actors to create high-fidelity simulations of people in ways that were previously impossible. This development has serious implications for both private individuals and public officials, particularly those in positions of power or with access to sensitive information.
Experts warn that these campaigns are not isolated incidents but part of a systemic challenge in digital security. Threat actors may operate across borders, making enforcement difficult, and the use of encrypted platforms further complicates traditional investigative methods. Moreover, AI-generated impersonations can be scaled easily, allowing a single actor or group to target hundreds or even thousands of potential victims simultaneously.
The alert serves as a critical reminder that technological advancement brings both opportunities and risks. While AI can enhance productivity and innovation, it can also be misused to facilitate sophisticated fraud and identity theft. The FBI’s guidance underscores the necessity of public awareness, personal vigilance, and coordinated response efforts to mitigate these risks.
Finally, the alert encourages all recipients to maintain a healthy skepticism when approached by individuals claiming to be senior officials. Verification through official channels, careful scrutiny of multimedia content, and awareness of psychological manipulation tactics are essential to prevent falling victim to these schemes. The FBI stresses that even messages that appear authentic, using the voice or likeness of a known official, may be fabricated through AI and therefore should never be acted upon without independent confirmation.
In summary, the FBI’s December 19, 2025, alert highlights a growing threat landscape in which AI-generated impersonations of senior U.S. officials are being used in sophisticated scams targeting private citizens and public figures alike. With campaigns spanning multiple years and leveraging vishing, smishing, and encrypted messaging platforms, these impersonations present a formidable challenge to cybersecurity and law enforcement. The Bureau’s guidance emphasizes verification, scrutiny of digital content, and consultation with security professionals as essential strategies for mitigating this emerging threat.
As AI technology continues to advance, the FBI’s alert underscores the need for ongoing vigilance, public awareness, and proactive measures to safeguard sensitive information and protect individuals from increasingly convincing digital impersonations. Citizens, organizations, and officials are urged to treat any unsolicited communication with caution, apply recommended verification protocols, and report suspicious activity promptly to law enforcement.
The alert also signals the Bureau’s commitment to monitoring AI-enabled threats and educating the public on emerging risks. By following these recommendations, individuals can better defend themselves against malicious actors who exploit cutting-edge technology to manipulate trust and gain access to sensitive information.
In a digital age where the boundaries between reality and simulation are increasingly blurred, the FBI’s guidance offers a roadmap for navigating these challenges safely and effectively. Vigilance, verification, and awareness remain the most reliable tools in combating AI-generated impersonations and maintaining the integrity of personal and professional communications.
Emily Johnson is a critically acclaimed essayist and novelist known for her thought-provoking works centered on feminism, women’s rights, and modern relationships. Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, Emily grew up with a deep love of books, often spending her afternoons at her local library. She went on to study literature and gender studies at UCLA, where she became deeply involved in activism and began publishing essays in campus journals. Her debut essay collection, Voices Unbound, struck a chord with readers nationwide for its fearless exploration of gender dynamics, identity, and the challenges faced by women in contemporary society. Emily later transitioned into fiction, writing novels that balance compelling storytelling with social commentary. Her protagonists are often strong, multidimensional women navigating love, ambition, and the struggles of everyday life, making her a favorite among readers who crave authentic, relatable narratives. Critics praise her ability to merge personal intimacy with universal themes. Off the page, Emily is an advocate for women in publishing, leading workshops that encourage young female writers to embrace their voices. She lives in Seattle with her partner and two rescue cats, where she continues to write, teach, and inspire a new generation of storytellers.
