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The FBI sent a memo to U.S. immigration officials on Tuesday warning that a small network of women has been using “traditional wife” or “tradwife” dating profiles to lure agents and other immigration staff into online conversations. The memo, obtained by NBC News, says the women pose in vintage‑style photos and use language that emphasizes home‑making, family values and deference to authority, hoping to appear trustworthy to officials who monitor immigration cases.

The warning comes as federal agencies have stepped up scrutiny of online platforms used to influence or gather intelligence on immigration matters. In recent years, scammers have used dating apps to harvest personal data, extort money, or recruit vulnerable individuals. Law‑enforcement officials say the “tradwife” tactic is a newer twist, exploiting the cultural cachet of a nostalgic, conservative image that resonates with some immigration officers who share similar values. The FBI’s alert follows a series of investigations that uncovered fake profiles used to probe the personal lives of border agents and to collect details that could aid foreign intelligence services.

The memo describes how the women post staged photos in kitchen settings, wear modest clothing and use captions that stress devotion to family and tradition. They then initiate contact with immigration staff who have public social‑media presences, asking benign questions that can lead to more personal disclosures. In a brief statement, the Department of Homeland Security said it is “aware of the threat” and is reviewing the memo’s recommendations. Immigration advocacy groups expressed concern that the warning could further stigmatize legitimate migrants, urging agencies to balance security with fairness.

The FBI urges immigration officials to verify online identities before engaging in any personal dialogue and to report suspicious contacts to the agency’s cyber‑crime unit. It also plans to circulate the advisory to state and local law‑enforcement partners. Analysts say the alert may prompt tighter controls on how officials use personal social‑media accounts, and could spark broader discussions about the security of online interactions in government work. The memo underscores a growing awareness that digital deception can target even the most routine aspects of public service.