By Jim Mishler | Saturday, December 20, 2025, 12:07 PM EST
FBI Director Kash Patel has warned government employees, their family members and associates of top administration officials that a scam targeting federal computer networks—first identified in May—has not diminished. The warning also notes that the FBI has been unable to apprehend all those involved in the scheme.
In a post on his X account, Patel detailed how malicious actors are impersonating senior U.S. officials through text messages and AI-generated voice calls, targeting contacts including family members. “Actors engage victims in brief conversations about topics they are knowledgeable about,” Patel’s department wrote. “They then quickly request to move the discussion to a secondary, encrypted messaging app.”
The tactics often involve moving to platforms embedded with malware that steals data from victims’ devices or directing users to websites containing malicious code. Such malware can compromise login information and, depending on the victim’s system security, lead to significant data breaches. The stolen information may include sensitive government data that criminals could exploit for various criminal activities.
A recent FBI alert to employees revealed that some initial scam attempts involve proposing a “meeting with the president of the United States or other high-ranking officials” or claiming the target is being considered for a board nomination.
The bureau also explained that these attacks often use credibility tactics, including “smishing”—malicious text messaging—and “vishing,” which employs AI-generated voice messages. Both methods leverage spear phishing techniques, which target specific individuals via email.
To stay safe, the FBI advises: “If contacted by someone you know through a new platform or phone number, verify the contact information using a previously confirmed source.”
