'Nefarious efforts': Melania‑linked scam strikes Congress

13 July

U.S. President Donald Trump kisses first lady Melania Trump as they stand at a balcony to watch the during Fourth of July celebrations at the White House, in Washington, D.C., U.S., July 4, 2025. REUTERS/Ken Cedeno

Capitol Hill is reportedly once again under siege by sophisticated impersonation scams targeting lawmakers and their staff.

In June, an individual posing as House Intelligence Committee Chairman Rick Crawford (R-AR) reached out via Telegram to at least two members of Congress — Rep. Eric Burlison (R-MO) and former Rep. George Santos (R-NY), the Washington Post reported Saturday. The impersonator claimed involvement in a “project” with First Lady Melania Trump and urged them to install a suspicious “Phoner App” to learn more.

“There is a Project I am working on with Melania Trump. I recommend to make you the coordinator,” the fake Crawford messaged Santos, according to The Post.

While Burlison ignored the request, Santos did install the app — though he says the interaction ended before any of his personal information was compromised. The exchange took place just days before Santos is set to begin a seven-year prison sentence for aggravated identity theft and other charges, per the report.

He told The Post: “I’m dealing with my own issues with the law, and now I have to be a victim of this garbage."

Santos was expelled from Congress in December 2023 following revelations of widespread fabrications in his personal biography and numerous ethics violations. In April, he was convicted in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York on charges of aggravated identity theft and wire fraud.

Santos received an 87‑month prison sentence and is required to report to a federal facility by July 25.

This June incident fits into an increasing pattern of scams — some employing AI — targeting government figures and their staff by impersonating them. Investigators are probing a separate June campaign that used AI-generated voice and text messages, supposedly from Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Crawford’s office confirmed that others had received voice memos imitating his voice, likely produced via AI.

“Over the last few months, we have seen this happen to several high-ranking Administration officials,” Crawford told The Post.

He continued: “It is very easy for anyone to fall victim to these nefarious efforts. I strongly encourage all Americans to stay informed on the threat and take proactive action to protect themselves by reviewing the public service information provided by the FBI on AI-powered impersonations.”

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