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FBI Warns of Malicious Messaging Campaign Targeting U.S. Officials

FBI Warns of Malicious Messaging Campaign Targeting U.S. Officials

First seen 21 Oct 2026, 11:45 UTC •
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ThreatCluster AI
ThreatCluster •October 22, 2026 at 11:43 UTC
  • •Malicious actors impersonate U.S. officials to target individuals.
  • •Attack methods include smishing and vishing to establish rapport.
  • •Campaign has been active since at least 2023, affecting many government officials.

The FBI has issued a warning regarding an ongoing malicious messaging campaign that began in April 2025. Malicious actors are impersonating senior U.S. officials, including government and congressional members, to target individuals, particularly those connected to these officials. Attack methods include smishing (text messages) and vishing (AI-generated voice messages), aimed at establishing rapport with victims before transitioning to encrypted messaging platforms. The actors may then attempt to gain access to personal accounts or elicit sensitive information. This campaign has been active since at least 2023, affecting numerous individuals in government and their contacts. The FBI advises caution when receiving messages from purported officials and provides recommendations for identifying suspicious communications.

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Timeline

2025-04-01
Malicious messaging campaign began
The FBI reports that actors started impersonating senior U.S. officials to target individuals in April 2025.
Article 2
2026-10-19
FBI updates warning
The FBI released an updated warning about the ongoing impersonation campaign, detailing methods and targets.
Article 1
2026-10-21
Current warning issued
The FBI issued a new announcement to warn the public and provide mitigation tips regarding the ongoing campaign.
Article 2

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Common questions

Who is targeted by this campaign?
The campaign primarily targets current and former U.S. federal and state officials and their contacts.
What are the attack methods used?
The attackers use smishing (text messages) and vishing (AI-generated voice messages) to impersonate officials.
What should I do if I receive a suspicious message?
Do not assume the message is authentic; verify the sender and follow the FBI's recommendations for identifying suspicious communications.