FBI Warns of Text Voice Phishing
The FBI has issued a chilling warning that text voice phishing is becoming more sophisticated and difficult to detect, thanks to AI voice cloning as well as sophisticated texting scams. Since April 2025, bad actors have been posing as senior U.S. government officials by using fake texts and artificially created voicemails. You might think you are talking to a government official if you don’t pay attention.
The phishing technique,,s phishing and smish, is more convincing. What is the goal? The goal is to steal personal information or financial credentials.
This is a breakdown of what’s happening so that you understand the exact situation and, more importantly, know how to protect yourself.
What are Smishing and Vishing
Smishing occurs when scammers send malicious texts while pretending to be trustworthy. The message might appear to be from your bank or the IRS.
Vishing occurs when scammers create fake voicemails or calls using AI voice cloning to mimic the voice of someone they know.
Real life example A U.S. Government employee received a message from a person who sounded similar to a high-ranking government official, asking him or her to click a link. The voice was AI generated, and the link took you to a Phishing site.
Learn more about Smishing and Vishing
The FBI warns text voice phishing attacks are unfolding
The FBI warned in its official warning that malicious actors were sending texts and using AI-voice tech to impersonate high-ranking government officials, including those of federal agencies and state agencies.
This is how scams typically work:
-
First Contact — You receive a call or a message from someone who claims to be an official of the United States.
-
Building Trust– The voice is real, the message urgent, and they are trying to develop a rapport.
-
Ask: They will send you a URL or request sensitive information (like logins or banking details).
-
Platform Switch: You may be asked if you want to switch to WhatsApp or Telegram.
-
Compromise: You give them unknowingly access to your accounts, passwords, or networks.
These attacks are now believable because of the rise of AI voice cloning. CrowdStrike reported that voice cloning attacks increased by 442% between the first half of 2024 and the second.
How to Protect Yourself from AI Phishing Scams: Step-by-Step
Here’s an easy, practical guide for staying protected.
Step 1: Be skeptical of unsolicited messages
Even if the message seems urgent or is familiar, you should never assume it’s legitimate. Red flags include:
-
Grammatical errors
-
Demands for immediate action
-
Unexpected Links
Step 2: Use “Out-of-Band” Verification
Do not call the number given by someone who claims to be an official of the government. Instead:
-
Find out their official contacts using a reliable source such as usa.gov
-
Contact the agency directly
Step 3: Do not Cclickon a Suspicious Link
Many links are spoofed so that they look real. You can either hover over the URL or type it into your browser.
Spoofing is a common practice.
Step 4: Enable Multifactor Authentication (MFA)
MFA will stop unauthorised access even if you have compromised your password.
Report the Scam
Report any suspicious messages immediately.
-
Use the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov
-
Report phishing emails and links to Google
AI makes phishing easier than ever
In 2018, attackers had already been cloning voices to impersonate managers and fool finance teams into paying bogus invoices. AI tools only require a few audio minutes to duplicate someone’s voice.
Imagine this. You receive a phone call from the CEO or director of your agency. They sound exactly like them. You are asked to approve a transaction or share credentials. Would you say “no”?
AI-based phishing has a terrifying impact.
Understanding Phishing Types
-
Phishing vs. Spoofing: Spoofing is when someone pretends to be another person; phishing is when you are tricked into doing something.
-
Spear-Phishing: A highly targeted version of phishing that targets specific individuals or roles.
What to do if you’ve been targeted
If you have clicked on a link that is suspicious or answered a call from one of the following numbers:
-
Disconnect the Internet on a Computer
-
Change passwords immediately. This is especially important for financial accounts.
-
Check accounts for any unauthorized activity.
-
Report the problem to the FBI as well as your local cybersecurity agency.
-
Monitor Your Credit With a Service Like Credit Karma.
Closed Thoughts: Do Not Be the Next Victim
Scammers are becoming more sophisticated. We can also get smarter.
The FBI warns that text voice phishing attacks are on the rise because they work – but only if you let your guard down. Verify all messages and be careful with links and voice requests. Share this information among coworkers, family, and friends.
Keep yourself informed. Keep yourself safe.
This warning connects closely with what’s shared in this article about FBI alerts on malicious texts, showing how these scams are becoming more common and dangerous.
FAQ
What is Spoofing, and how does it differ from phishing
Spoofing occurs when a scammer uses their identity to appear as someone you know, such as spoofing an email or phone number. Phishing occurs when the scammer uses a spoofed ID to trick you into divulging sensitive information.
How can I verify the email address of an FBI employee?
Check the domain. The real FBI email ends in ” @fbi.gov.”
What is the difference between Spoofing and Phishing?
Spoofing involves faking an identity. Phishing involves exploiting a fake identity to steal money from you.
How do I report an email as a spammer?
Use tools such as:
What examples of phishing emails can you give?
This gallery contains real-life examples that will help you recognize them.
What is spear-phishing, and who’s at the greatest risk?
Spear Phishing sends personalized messages to specific individuals, such as CEOs or government officials. It is dangerous because the messages are very convincing.
How can I report an email phishing to Google?
Use the Google Phishing Report Tool.
How do I report a scammer or swindler to the FBI?
Report the crime by visiting https://www.ic3.gov./.