CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas: Criminals are increasingly exploiting artificial intelligence to impersonate family members, deceive victims and steal money, US Attorney Aaron Reitz has warned, urging residents to verify suspicious requests before transferring funds.
Speaking to 3NEWS on October 15, Reitz, who heads the US Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas, highlighted the growing sophistication of financial fraud alongside ongoing efforts to tackle fentanyl distribution, drug trafficking and human smuggling across South Texas.
Reitz cautioned that scammers can use AI-generated voice imitations to make fraudulent calls sound like they are coming from relatives in distress. Victims may be told that a family member is in trouble and urgently needs money. Fraudsters also use deceptive messages and websites to obtain banking details or persuade people to transfer funds.
He advised residents against clicking suspicious links or sending money without independently verifying the request. Anyone who suspects they have been defrauded should contact their bank immediately, he said, explaining that stolen funds can be moved quickly, complicating recovery efforts.
The interview also addressed the dangers posed by fentanyl and counterfeit medication. Reitz said federal prosecutors are working with local and state authorities to investigate trafficking networks distributing the synthetic opioid and counterfeit pills.
He warned parents that pills obtained from friends or unauthorised sellers could contain fentanyl, even when they resemble legitimate prescription medication.
Reitz said his office had observed declines in fentanyl-related cases, seizures and deaths, attributing the trends to stronger enforcement. However, he did not provide figures during the interview to substantiate the reported reductions.
On human trafficking and smuggling, Reitz emphasised cooperation between federal prosecutors and local agencies, including the Corpus Christi Police Department and Nueces County Sheriff’s Office. He urged residents to report suspected exploitation and criminal activity to law enforcement.
