U.S. Seizes 13 Fake Consulting Sites Used to Target Government and Military Personnel

Federal authorities have seized 13 internet domains allegedly operated by individuals posing as recruiters to target current and former U.S. government employees and military personnel with access to classified or sensitive information.

According to the Justice Department, the sites were backed by suspected Chinese agents seeking intelligence of value to the Chinese government, though the operators denied any foreign government involvement.

Court filings show the network began in November 2023, when the group created a series of fake consulting company websites and began posting job listings on platforms such as Upwork, Expertia AI, Hubstaff Talent, Wellfound, and Post Job Free. The roles—often labeled Senior Analyst or International Affairs Consultant—were designed to appeal to people with security clearances or government backgrounds. Recruits were asked to produce research reports or provide expertise for unnamed clients.

Investigators say the operators used aliases, fabricated personas, stolen identities, AI‑generated profile photos, encrypted messaging apps, and payment accounts opened under false names. Recruits were offered unusually high compensation and pressured to provide information from insider sources. Payments were routed from overseas into the United States, including through cryptocurrency, to obscure their origin.

After seizing the domains, the FBI replaced the websites with takeover notices warning visitors that the sites were disabled as part of an investigation into alleged bribery, identity theft, and international money laundering. Special Agent in Charge Dominique Evans urged the public to remain alert to suspicious recruitment efforts and report them to the FBI.