FBI launches investigation into an AI-powered impersonation scam that targeted Trump’s Chief of Staff Susie Wiles through her hacked personal phone, exposing a sophisticated fraud that could threaten national security.

At a Glance

• The FBI is investigating an attempt to impersonate Susie Wiles, President Trump’s chief of staff, through fraudulent text messages and AI-generated voice calls
• Wiles’ personal cell phone was hacked, giving scammers access to her contacts including governors, senators, and business leaders
• The scam was detected due to suspicious grammar, unusual requests about Trump’s activities, and demands for money transfers
• This follows a pattern of increasing cybersecurity threats against administration officials, including a 2024 attempt by Iranian agents to hack Wiles’ email
• FBI Director Kash Patel has declared securing administration communications “a top priority”

Sophisticated AI Scam Targets White House Inner Circle

A new form of high-tech fraud has reached the highest levels of government as the FBI investigates an artificial intelligence-powered scam targeting Susie Wiles, President Trump’s chief of staff. According to reports, scammers hacked Wiles’ personal mobile phone, gaining access to her contact list which includes numerous high-profile political figures. The perpetrators then used this information to send fraudulent text messages and make phone calls that appeared to come directly from Wiles herself.

The sophisticated scheme employed both “smishing” (SMS phishing) and “vishing” (voice phishing) techniques. Most alarmingly, some recipients reported receiving calls that seemed to replicate Wiles’ voice through AI technology. The Wall Street Journal first broke the story, revealing that governors, senators, and business leaders were among those targeted by the impersonator who reached out with suspicious requests.

Red Flags Revealed the Deception

Despite the sophisticated technology behind the scam, several inconsistencies alerted recipients that something was amiss. The messages contained unusual grammar and formalities that didn’t match Wiles’ typical communication style. The impersonator also demonstrated a lack of insider knowledge about Trump’s activities and made unusual requests for cash transfers – clear red flags that helped prevent the scam from succeeding more broadly.

“The FBI takes all threats against the president, his staff, and our cybersecurity with the utmost seriousness”, said FBI Director Kash Patel.

This incident is particularly concerning given Wiles’ pivotal role in the Trump administration. As a trusted advisor who served as Trump’s Florida campaign director in 2016 and later as CEO of his “Save America” PAC, Wiles possesses extensive connections and sensitive information. Trump pollster Tony Fabrizio has described her as having unmatched “wealth of information” within Trump’s inner circle, making her an attractive target for malicious actors.

Part of a Larger Threat Pattern

The FBI had previously issued a public service announcement warning about impersonation attempts targeting U.S. government officials. The agency noted that malicious actors often attempt to gain access to personal accounts by sending links that, when clicked, can compromise security. The current investigation follows a concerning pattern, as Iranian agents reportedly attempted to hack Wiles’ email account earlier in 2024.

“Safeguarding our administration officials’ ability to securely communicate to accomplish the president’s mission is a top priority”, added Director Patel.

The FBI has not yet confirmed exactly how the hackers gained access to Wiles’ contacts, but sources close to the investigation indicate her personal mobile phone was compromised. FBI Director Kash Patel has strongly condemned these impersonation campaigns and emphasized that securing administration communications remains a critical priority for law enforcement as they work to identify those responsible for this sophisticated attack.

Protecting Against AI-Powered Impersonation

As artificial intelligence technologies become more advanced, impersonation scams are likely to grow more convincing and difficult to detect. Security experts recommend verifying unexpected communications through secondary channels, especially when they involve unusual requests or financial transactions. The FBI advises the public to be vigilant about clicking links in text messages, even when they appear to come from known contacts, and to report suspicious communications promptly.

While investigations continue, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the evolving cybersecurity threats facing government officials. The FBI has mobilized resources to address this particular case and to strengthen protections for administration officials whose communications are vital to national security and governmental operations. Americans are encouraged to remain alert as these sophisticated AI-powered scams become increasingly prevalent across all sectors of society.