An ‘unknown actor’ has sent text and voice messages on the Signal app, mimicking Marco Rubio’s style|US Embassy Jerusalem|CC BY 2.0
An impostor used AI tools to impersonate Secretary of State Marco Rubio, contacting at least three foreign ministers, a US governor, and a member of Congress, The Washington Post reports.
According to a State Department cable obtained by news sources, an “unknown actor” sent text and voice messages on the Signal app, mimicking Rubio’s style. The impostor also spoofed credentials to reach high-level officials.
Authorities believe the aim was to access sensitive information or infiltrate secure systems through unsuspecting government personnel. The investigation is ongoing, and the perpetrator remains unidentified.
Not the first
Similar AI-powered impersonation attempts have targeted other top US officials, including White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles in May.
In June, Canadian agencies reported that scammers used AI to mimic their officials to insert malware and steal money and private information.
Experts warn that as little as 15–20 seconds of voice is enough to create a convincing fake.