AI-Generated Rubio Impersonator Targeted Officials via Signal: Reports

AFP/APP

Washington: An unidentified imposter posing as U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio used AI-generated voice and text messages to contact high-level officials and foreign ministers, according to reports on Tuesday. The incident marks the latest in a string of impersonation attempts targeting American officials.

A confidential cable from the Secretary of State’s office, cited by The Washington Post and other U.S. outlets, revealed that the imposter appeared to be attempting to manipulate senior figures “with the goal of gaining access to information or accounts.”

The cable, dated July 3, stated that at least three foreign ministers, one U.S. state governor, and a member of Congress were contacted by the impersonator through text messages and the encrypted messaging app Signal.

According to the report, the impersonation campaign began in mid-June when the culprit created a Signal account using the display name “Marco.Rubio@state.gov” to deceive officials.

Authorities have not yet identified the source of the operation, but investigations are underway amid growing concern over the use of AI tools in sophisticated cyber and disinformation campaigns.