Someday soon, individuals may receive a video call or text from a familiar local politician. This message could inform them that an item they use daily is now illegal and must be destroyed. While the message might seem genuine, it is actually an artificial intelligence (AI) creation aimed at less informed individuals.
Recently, the State Department warned U.S. embassies about a fake video of Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The false messages were sent to governors, senators, and foreign ministers. “The State Department is aware of this incident and is currently monitoring and addressing the matter,” said spokeswoman Tammy Bruce.
Rubio was not the first target; Susie Wiles, the president’s chief of staff, was also targeted in May. The FBI is tracking these AI campaigns known as “smishing and vishing.” According to an FBI announcement on May 15: “Smishing is the malicious targeting of individuals using SMS or MMS text messaging. Vishing uses voice memos.”
For gun owners, vishing poses a significant threat due to AI-generated audio impersonating public figures or personal relations. Spotting these fake messages can be challenging as AI improves daily.
The FBI advises against responding to any AI message and recommends verifying its authenticity by contacting the source directly through known channels.
Currently, most smishing and vishing attempts aim for financial fraud but could evolve to support creators’ beliefs as technology advances. Historically, gun owners have been frequent targets as technology evolves.
Lee Williams serves as chief editor of the Second Amendment Foundation’s Investigative Journalism Project.
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