Fake AI Calls Are the New Normal in 2025

Imagine getting a call from someone who sounds exactly like a government official or even a close friend—but it’s not them. Thanks to advanced AI tools, this nightmare is now real. “Fake AI calls” are on the rise, and they’re no longer just a futuristic threat—they’re happening right now.

Recent incidents involving top US officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, show how AI voice-cloning is being weaponized in scams to steal sensitive information and infiltrate high-level systems. All it takes is 15 seconds of your voice and the right software.

This article dives into how these fake calls work, whether they’re legal, and how to shut them down before they reach you. From national security risks to everyday smartphone users, no one’s off-limits anymore.

Is AI Calling Illegal? What You Need to Know in 2025

The question “Is AI calling illegal?” is trending hard—and for good reason. The short answer: it depends. In the US, the legality of AI-generated calls hinges on whether the call was used for fraud, impersonation, or robocalling without consent. If it’s a scam, it’s likely illegal under wire fraud and impersonation laws.

But the tech is evolving faster than legislation can keep up. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) ruled that AI robocalls made without consent violate the Telephone Consumer Protection Act. States like New Hampshire and California are also cracking down with stricter laws specific to deepfake audio and synthetic voices.

This matters because fake AI calls aren’t just happening to politicians. You could be next. Whether it’s a spoofed call from your “bank” or a fake message from your “boss,” scammers are using AI to sound more legit than ever—and that’s where things get dangerous.

The Rise of AI Impersonators in Global Politics

In 2025, AI-powered impersonation isn’t just a glitch in the matrix—it’s a global cybersecurity crisis. The recent wave of fake calls targeting US officials like Marco Rubio and Susie Wiles shows how serious this has become. Foreign ministers received calls from someone pretending to be Rubio. The voice? AI-cloned. The goal? Infiltrate private networks.

And it’s not just US targets. A second campaign linked to Russia-focused hackers used fake “state.gov” emails to impersonate diplomats and lure researchers into giving up access to their Gmail accounts. These aren’t just prank calls—they’re calculated attacks designed to gain trust and compromise systems.

Security pros say we’re now in the era of “voice phishing” powered by AI. Even experts can be fooled. The kicker? You can’t always trust what you hear. And with apps like Signal or WhatsApp being used as channels, these scams can go global, fast.

Can I Stop AI on My Phone? How to Defend Against Fake AI Calls

If you’re wondering “Can I stop AI on my phone?”—yes, you can, but it takes a mix of tech and awareness. First, enable call filtering or blocking tools offered by your carrier (like AT&T Call Protect or Verizon Call Filter). These can detect robocalls and flag suspicious numbers before they hit you.

Next, use apps like Truecaller or Hiya to auto-block unknown or spoofed numbers. AI-generated calls often use random numbers or impersonate real contacts—these apps help detect fakes based on global databases.

Also, watch out for “urgent” voice requests. If a call seems off—even if it sounds like someone you know—hang up and verify via another method. This step is critical in high-stakes environments, where scams can lead to massive breaches or stolen identities.

The bottom line: Trust your instincts, verify twice, and assume any call could be fake in the age of AI.

What’s Really at Stake With Voice Cloning Scams?

We’re not just talking about pranksters or bots anymore—fake AI calls are now part of serious cyber campaigns. Cybersecurity firms like McAfee and Google’s Threat Intelligence teams warn that even professionals can be duped by a synthetic voice. If it’s urgent, familiar, and sounds real, most people won’t hesitate—and that’s what scammers count on.

These impersonation schemes often aim to steal access credentials, leak diplomatic secrets, or hijack financial accounts. As AI tools become more accessible, bad actors don’t need elite skills—just the right voice sample and free software.

The future? Scarier still. Experts warn of upcoming election deepfakes, fake emergency alerts, and even AI-generated family emergencies used to exploit emotions. Governments are rushing to catch up, but it’s a race against time.

So whether you’re a student, CEO, or just chilling on TikTok—know this: in 2025, hearing isn’t believing.