The FBI has recently issued a warning to iOS and Android users regarding the latest fraudulent activities targeting individuals. The warning states that malicious actors have been impersonating senior US officials to deceive and target unsuspecting individuals, particularly current or former senior US federal or state government officials. The FBI advises users to exercise caution when receiving messages from individuals claiming to be senior US officials, as these messages may not be authentic.
FBI Alert on Smishing, Vishing, and Spear Phishing
These fraudulent activities commonly involve "smishing," which is the use of fake text messages sent to individuals, and "vishing," which involves fake AI-generated phone calls. The aim of these tactics is to establish trust with the targets and convince them to disclose personal data, including login credentials for sensitive accounts such as banking apps, securities apps, and crypto wallets accessible via mobile devices.
The FBI defines smishing as the targeting of individuals using SMS or MMS text messaging, while vishing entails targeting individuals through voice memos, sometimes utilizing AI-generated voices. These tactics share similarities with spear phishing, which involves the use of malicious emails to target specific individuals or groups.
-FBI
By engaging in smishing, vishing, and spear phishing, threat actors introduce malware or malicious links to steal usernames and passwords from victims. The attackers may impersonate business associates or relatives through phone calls to obtain login credentials from their targets.
It is crucial for individuals to verify the authenticity of messages from supposed senior US officials by researching the originating number, organization, or individual contacting them. The FBI recommends independently verifying the contact's identity by using a known phone number to confirm their legitimacy.
Furthermore, individuals should scrutinize email addresses, contact information, URLs, and spelling in any communication to detect potential signs of deception. Scammers often use subtle variations to deceive victims, such as incorporating publicly available images in messages or using AI-generated voices to impersonate known contacts.
Individuals should exercise caution when receiving images or videos, looking for imperfections that may indicate AI-generated content. It is important to distinguish between real and AI-generated calls to protect against fraudulent activities.
If individuals are unsure about the authenticity of a message, they can seek assistance from the FBI.
Protect Your Information and Stay Vigilant
The FBI advises against sharing sensitive information with individuals met online or over the phone, and cautions against sending cash, gift cards, or cryptocurrency to such individuals. Individuals should refrain from clicking on links in texts or emails from unverified sources.
Additionally, individuals should never open email attachments, click on links in messages, or download applications from unverified sources. Setting up two-factor authentication on all apps and refraining from sharing authentication codes is essential for safeguarding personal information against fraudulent activities.
