A new wave of AI-powered impersonation scams is targeting high-level officials, with a voice clone of Secretary of State Marco Rubio contacting foreign ministers, a US governor, and a member of Congress, The Washington Post reports. The impostor used both voice and text messages, mimicking Rubio’s style through advanced AI software.
According to a State Department cable dated July 3, the campaign began in mid-June when the individual created a Signal account with the fake display name “[email protected].” At least five known officials received messages through Signal and other platforms.
Authorities have not identified the perpetrator but believe the goal was to extract sensitive information or gain access to secure systems. The use of encrypted apps and lifelike voice cloning highlights growing concerns about digital manipulation at the highest levels of government.
These high-profile attacks are a stark reminder that voice fraud is no longer a distant threat. In an age where AI blurs the line between real and fake, cybersecurity is more critical than ever. Curious how these scams work—and how to protect yourself? Click through this gallery to explore the new frontier of digital deception.