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FBI Warns: Deepfake Scammers Target Officials, Crypto Execs

In a concerning update on the evolving threat landscape, the FBI has issued a warning about a wave of sophisticated phishing campaigns that leverage artificial intelligence tools—specifically deepfake voice technology—to impersonate senior United States government officials. These attacks, active since April, have been targeting both current and former federal and state officials in attempts to compromise sensitive data.

According to a public service announcement published by the FBI on May 15, cybercriminals are using AI-generated voice messages and deceptive text communications to establish trust with victims. Once rapport is built, the attackers send malicious links or redirect individuals to fraudulent websites, where login credentials and other sensitive information can be harvested.

“Do not automatically trust messages that claim to be from a high-ranking U.S. government official,” the FBI warned. They stressed that this new form of social engineering, powered by deepfake tech, could rapidly spiral out of control if even one compromised account opens the door to more.

The danger isn’t limited to impersonation alone. If attackers succeed in breaching official accounts, they can exploit the compromised communication channels to pose as trusted contacts—amplifying the reach and potential damage of their phishing campaigns. The FBI noted that attackers are actively using social engineering to collect contact lists and relationship data, allowing them to craft more convincing lures for their next targets.

Deepfakes Hit the Crypto World

Government officials aren’t the only ones in the crosshairs. The blockchain and crypto sector is also being hit with similar AI-assisted attacks. Polygon co-founder Sandeep Nailwal shared a chilling personal account on X (formerly Twitter) on May 13, warning the community that deepfake scammers had begun impersonating him in Zoom calls.

“People were contacting me on Telegram, asking if I was in a Zoom call and requesting them to install scripts,” Nailwal said. He explained that the attackers had compromised the Telegram account of Polygon’s ventures lead, Shreyansh, and used it to send Zoom invites. During the call, a deepfake version of Nailwal and his colleagues would appear on screen—silently, of course, since AI audio still carries telltale signs. The scammers would then urge the victim to install malicious software development kits (SDKs), which would lead to full system compromise.

“The scariest part is the realism. If someone’s not cautious, it’s game over,” Nailwal warned.

Other well-known names in the crypto industry have reported similar experiences. Web3 advocate and DCP Capital founder Dovey Wan confirmed in a separate post that she too had been targeted by a deepfake scam, reinforcing fears that these tactics are becoming more widespread.

Staying Safe in the Age of AI Impersonation

The FBI and cybersecurity experts are urging heightened vigilance. Their advice? Always verify a person’s identity through secondary communication methods before trusting any requests. Be skeptical of links or files received from unknown sources, and avoid installing software unless you’ve independently verified its safety.

For those in the crypto space, Nailwal recommends using a dedicated device solely for accessing digital wallets—kept completely separate from everyday communication tools like Telegram or email. This precaution, while simple, could be the barrier that prevents catastrophic loss.

The FBI also encourages users to scrutinize video and photo content for red flags—such as distorted facial features, unrealistic eyes, or unnatural hand movements, all telltale signs of AI manipulation. Enabling two-factor or multi-factor authentication on all key accounts remains a critical baseline defense.

With AI capabilities growing more powerful and accessible, the need for digital literacy and skepticism has never been higher. Whether you’re a government official or a crypto entrepreneur, the message is clear: trust, but verify—especially when deepfakes are just a few clicks away.