To try to fool US officials, an impostor uses AI to mimic Marco Rubio
Top authorities were targeted by an AI-generated impostor who imitated Marco Rubio, causing concern over the growing risks of digital fraud.
A top US official has revealed that an impostor utilized artificial intelligence (AI) to resemble Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s voice and writing style in order to target high-ranking officials in a sophisticated attempt to obtain sensitive information.
A State Department document acquired by The Washington Post claims that the unidentified actor used voice and text messages driven by artificial intelligence that closely mirrored Rubio’s demeanor to contact foreign ministers, a US governor, and a sitting member of Congress.
The source of the impersonation is still being sought by authorities, who believe it was done to influence influential people “in order to obtain information or accounts.”
In a cable, Rubio’s office alerted State Department staff to the impersonation attempts and called for heightened awareness.
The case serves as a reminder of the increasing danger that AI-driven disinformation and impersonation techniques offer, particularly when used to get into governmental or diplomatic institutions.
According to a US source speaking on condition of anonymity, “this is a new frontier in deception,” and the technology employed demonstrates a high degree of skill. “When trusted voices are so easily copied, there is a real risk to national security.”
The State Department has not revealed if any information was exposed, and investigations are still underway.
