A familiar voice on the phone and an urgent request for money no longer prove that the caller is a company executive, attorney, or government official. Criminals can now use artificial intelligence to imitate identities and persuade victims to surrender funds or sensitive information.
A federal indictment involving an alleged $129 million international fraud scheme offers a recent example. The Trump administration, Texas lawmakers, and North Texas police have also pursued different responses, from criminal prosecutions to new laws and public education.
A $129 Million Impersonation Scheme
Federal prosecutors in New York unsealed charges November 5 against Jacob Soall, 41, Sharon Hazan, 54, and Guy Sheetrit, 42. The Justice Department alleges that conspirators targeted companies around the world between 2024 and 2026, using what prosecutors call “super intelligence” to imitate corporate executives and lawyers.
The indictment describes a sequence of purportedly confidential business deals. Conspirators allegedly posed as chief executives, used synthetic voices or images during calls, and sent employees to supposed attorneys who directed large wire transfers into conspirator-controlled accounts. Prosecutors allege the scheme stole more than $129 million from businesses, including hospital systems and financial firms.
Authorities arrested the defendants in Spain and the United Kingdom from June through September. Extradition requests remained pending when prosecutors announced the charges. The defendants face allegations, not convictions, and retain the presumption of innocence.
White House And Justice Department Target Fraud
President Donald Trump signed Executive Order 14390 on March 6, directing agencies to develop measures against international scam centers and cyber-enabled financial fraud. The order calls for stronger coordination, prosecution priorities, and recommendations for restoring money to victims through recovered criminal proceeds.
On November 5, the Justice Department also announced a Super Intelligence Task Force to address malicious uses of emerging technology by foreign actors, transnational criminal organizations, and other offenders. Its mandate reaches beyond impersonation scams; the announcement does not establish that the task force has already stopped such fraud.
The FBI warned in July that criminals had used AI-generated videos resembling FBI personnel to steer previous fraud victims toward fake Internet Crime Complaint Center websites. The impostors claimed they could recover lost money while seeking more personal information.
The Dallas Express previously covered this warning and the tactics behind these second-round scams.
Texas Laws Confront Digital Deception
Texas Senate Bill 2373 took effect September 1, 2025. It criminalizes specified financial abuse using artificially generated media or phishing and creates a civil route for certain victims to seek damages. Its application depends on the conduct and statutory requirements, not merely the presence of AI.
House Bill 149, the Texas Responsible Artificial Intelligence Governance Act, took effect January 1, 2026. It creates rules for specified AI uses, including certain government and health care disclosures, and gives the attorney general enforcement authority. It does not prohibit every synthetic voice or image.
The Dallas Express previously examined the debate over the legislation.
North Texas Police Explain The Warning Signs
Closer to home, Garland police scheduled a November 5 presentation at West Garland Library on deceptive calls, messages, and AI voice cloning.
The FBI advises people to verify unexpected requests through a previously trusted phone number or communication channel. It also recommends multi-factor authentication and caution with unsolicited links. For employers, a separate confirmation before releasing funds can interrupt a scam even when a caller sounds convincing.
Provided by Dallas Express
