FBI ALERT: Smishing, Vishing, and Spear Phishing Plots in Michigan

It's scary how good criminals are getting. Picture this: you're sipping coffee, enjoying a picturesque Michigan day, when suddenly you get a text from a "senior US Official." My first thought would be that I was finally selected for a secret mission. Sadly, that isn't the case. It's a scam that the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) is warning the entire country about.

RELATED: 3 Scams Targeting Michigan Amazon Prime Day Shoppers

Artificial intelligence (AI) has greatly improved scammers' ability to pretend to be someone else, and I'm not just talking about an email stating they're a Nigerian Prince. These are full-blown AI-generated, realistic text and voice messages that seem authentic.

Smishing, Vishing, and Spear Phishing Messages

The latest FBI / IC3 Public Service Announcement, released on May 15, 2025, spotlighted "smishing," "vishing," and (this has to be my favorite name) "spear phishing" plots that actively target people with phones, which is pretty much everyone in Michigan. You may have heard of smishing, or using short messages (texts) to scam people, but let's quickly define the others.

According to Cisco Systems, vishing, which I hadn't heard of before this report, is using voice calls or messages with malicious intent. Throw AI into the mix, and scammers can mimic any U.S. official they choose and sound nearly exactly like them.

Get our free mobile app

Spear phishing (man, I love that term) involves using email to specifically target an individual or group, hence the "spear."

Each of these tactics is used to get you to go to a website or messaging platform that exposes you to malware, which can scan your computer for the personal information it needs to rob you blind. All caught up? Good.

Spotting the Latest AI Scams in Michigan

Here's how the experts at the FBI say you can spot one of these rising scams:

• If you get a message from someone, verify it's real before replying. If the message says it's coming from the U.S. Department of State, go to the web and use the contact information on an official government site.
• Really look closely at the email address; they may look official at first glance, but chances are there's something "off" about it.
• If the text messages include pictures or video, remember: most people don't have six fingers. AI can do a lot, but hands, shadows, and jewelry that don't jive are all tell-tale signs.
• If it's a voice message, listen closely to the tone, word choice, and inflections. If you're smelling a rat, trust your gut.

A good rule of thumb for Michiganders looking to avoid being scammed is to never share personal information with someone who calls or texts you out of the blue claiming to be a government official. Think about it: How often has a high-ranking government official contacted you?

Reporting Scams in Michigan

Think you've been targeted by one of these scams? If so, the FBI asks that any victims report the incident to the FBI Field Office in Detroit. Call 313-965-2323 or click here to submit it online.

RELATED: Think Twice Before You Scan That QR Code In Michigan

In today's world, you need to be skeptical of nearly everything and everyone. Be careful out there, Michigan.