Think you received a text message or voicemail for a current or former U.S. or state government official? It’s probably a scammer per the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Public Service Announcement released yesterday. Artificial intelligence (AI) is being used to create voice message that claim to be a senior U.S. official  to gain access to personal accounts. One way this is done is by sending targeted individuals a malicious link under the guise of transitioning to a separate messaging platform.  

The PSA provides valuable guidance to help identify a suspicious message from any scammer and provides steps to help protect yourself from potential fraud or loss of sensitive information. One tip is to set up two-factor (or multi-factor) authentication on any account that allows it and to never disable it. Scammers may try to convince you to disclose a two-factor authentication code, which will allow the scammer to compromise and take over accounts. Never provide a two-factor code to anyone over email, text message, or encrypted messaging application. Click here to view the full PSA and all of its valuable tips.