Ripple is warning investors about a wave of AI-generated deepfake scams using fake airdrops and cloned CEO footage to steal XRP crypto tokens.
At a Glance
- Fake XRP “airdrop” scams feature deepfakes of Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse
- Victims lured into sending XRP to bogus wallets with false return promises
- Over $25 million lost to phishing and scam attacks since November
- Scams circulate on YouTube, Telegram, and X using AI and voice-cloning
- Ripple urges users to verify claims through official channels only
Deepfakes in the Crypto Wild
Ripple has issued a sharp advisory after deepfake videos of CEO Brad Garlinghouse emerged across platforms like YouTube and X, falsely promoting an XRP “airdrop.” These fakes convincingly stitch together old event footage with AI-generated audio, tricking investors into sending funds under the guise of a promotional reward.
Watch: Crypto Scams to Avoid in 2025
Garlinghouse responded directly, saying, “There’s been an uptick in deepfake scam videos… overlaying new words with old video footage… Reminder: don’t trust, verify.” Ripple reiterated that it never asks users to send cryptocurrency to participate in any offer.
Fake Airdrops, Real Losses
Since November, multiple incidents have seen victims lose large sums to scams featuring cloned voices and logos of Ripple executives. One common tactic involves directing users to “official” websites that closely mimic Ripple’s actual domain, soliciting tokens with promises of doubling returns.
Platforms like YouTube are under fire for failing to flag or remove these ads quickly. Ripple alleges that moderation delays contribute to rising scam exposure. Brad Garlinghouse even tagged @YouTube in a public rebuke over inaction, fueling public pressure on tech giants to strengthen scam detection.
Fighting Back with Verification
The surge in deepfake scams comes amid a broader crypto rebound, increasing investor vulnerability. To counter this, Ripple advises stakeholders to:
- Avoid unsolicited messages promising rewards
- Confirm links and updates only through Ripple’s verified channels
- Enable two-factor authentication on wallets and exchange accounts
- Report suspicious videos and posts immediately
Watch: AI-Powered Cybercrime | The Deepfake Threat
Federal authorities including the FBI have echoed these concerns, warning that AI-generated fraud is now one of the most serious threats to online financial security.
Conclusion
Ripple’s warning highlights a harsh reality: as deepfake technology becomes more accessible, even seasoned crypto users can fall victim. For XRP holders and the broader crypto community, staying skeptical and security-conscious is no longer optional—it’s essential.
