The FBI is warning that criminals are using fake agents, AI-generated videos, and spoofed government websites to trick people who have already been defrauded. Officials say these recovery scams are becoming harder to spot as scammers adopt more convincing technology.
How the Scam Works
Scammers pose as federal agents, often from the FBI or other agencies, and contact victims of previous fraud. They claim they can help recover lost money — for a fee. To make the ruse more believable, they use AI-generated videos that mimic real agents and create fake government websites that look official. The goal is to get victims to pay again, sometimes by wiring money or providing personal information.
Why It's Harder to Spot
Officials note that the technology behind these scams has improved. AI-generated videos can now replicate a person's face and voice with unsettling accuracy. Spoofed websites can pass casual inspection. Combined, these tools make it difficult for even cautious individuals to tell they're being conned. The FBI's warning specifically highlights that recovery scams are becoming more sophisticated, and that previous victims are being targeted because they are already vulnerable.
Who Is at Risk
Anyone who has lost money in a previous fraud is a potential target. Scammers often buy lists of victims from other criminals or use public data to find people who have reported scams. They then reach out with a promise of recovery. The FBI advises that legitimate government agencies never ask for payment to recover lost funds or demand sensitive information over the phone or email.
The agency urges people to verify any unsolicited contact claiming to be from a federal office. Hang up, look up the official number, and call back. Do not trust caller ID or video calls alone. The best defense is skepticism — if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
