Reddit Users Expose Deepfake Ripple Scam Circulating on YouTube

According to Cointelegraph: Reddit users have discovered a deepfake video scam involving Ripple CEO Brad Garlingshouse circulating on YouTube. The scam involves an AI-generated replica of Garlingshouse encouraging XRP holders to send their coins to a specific address with a deceptive promise of returning double the amount—a well-known scam strategy. The deepfake rip-off was reportedly first spotted on YouTube as early as November 25, and again on December 3. Several Redditors say they have come across these fraudulent advertisements on the platform and reported them accordingly. The video invites viewers to participate in an XRP event by sending tokens to a "designated address," pledging to return "double the amount" in an artificial giveaway. Despite clear indications that the video ad is a scam attempt, one Redditor claims that Google has declined to take down the advertisement, stating that it doesn't violate their policies. This Reddit user shared a screenshot showing the response from Google's Trust and Safety Team, which urges the user to provide more information within six months, as per the screenshot. Further fueling the worry, Redditors have also shared a link to an unsearchable, unlisted video of the deepfake scam on YouTube. Despite not being searchable, the video had amassed over 17,000 views at the time of writing. Reddit users are encouraging the community to refrain from interacting with the video's QR code to prevent any financial losses. Earlier on July 14, Ripple’s chief technology officer, David Schwartz, alerted investors to the increasing prevalence of scams involving XRP following a July court ruling in favor of Ripple in its ongoing fight with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). He clarified that no airdrops, giveaways, or special offers were associated with the ruling.