FBI Warns of Deepfake Videos Impersonating IC3…

The FBI has issued a public service announcement warning of an escalation in campaigns where threat actors impersonate the Bureau's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). These scammers are now utilizing generative AI to create deepfake videos of senior officials, aiming to defraud individuals who have already been targeted by previous scams.

What happened

The scheme leverages a combination of social media impersonation, generative AI video, and lookalike complaint portals to create a convincing, official-looking government process. In one identified tactic, scammers monitor social media for victims who have mentioned filing an IC3 complaint. The attackers then contact these individuals via platforms like Facebook Messenger, posing as FBI agents.

These interactions often direct victims to spoofed websites that mimic the legitimate ic3.gov domain. These fraudulent portals require users to input personal information, including names, phone numbers, email addresses, and details regarding their previous financial losses. Once submitted, the site provides a fake reference number to maintain the illusion of a legitimate investigation. Experts note that because these messages carry the perceived authority of law enforcement, victims are more likely to bypass standard verification procedures, potentially exposing financial records, credentials, or other sensitive internal information.

This campaign represents a significant shift from previous text-only recovery pitches, which security professionals describe as having become increasingly polished. The FBI has observed these AI-generated videos appearing on social media platforms, featuring senior leadership urging users to visit the malicious portals. In addition to video spoofing, the Bureau noted that scammers are increasingly using AI-generated video in live calls to impersonate officials. The FBI advises users to remain vigilant for signs of deepfake technology, such as distorted hands, unrealistic accessories, inaccurate shadows, and voice-call lag. The Bureau explicitly stated that it does not maintain a presence on social media, nor does it communicate via Telegram, phone, or public forums, and it never requests payment for the recovery of lost funds.