Ripple scams go live on YouTube. | Credit: Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images.
Share
Key Takeaways
AI deepfake videos of Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse promising to “double” XRP tokens have surfaced on YouTube.
Ripple previously sued YouTube in 2020 for allowing and allegedly profiting from AI deepfakes on its platform. They settled privately a year later.
AI deepfake crypto scams cost victims over $4.6 billion in 2024.
Scammers are once again zeroing in on the XRP community, pushing Ripple to sound the alarm. CEO Brad Garlinghouse has urged users to stay alert as a wave of fraudulent YouTube accounts impersonate Ripple and peddle fake giveaways.
The company says it’s ramping up efforts to stop these scams and is calling on the community to help flag and report them.
Ripple (XRP), the third-most popular crypto with a market cap of $183.5 million, has taken to social media to raise the alarm about an “uptick” in scams on the video-sharing platform YouTube.
The firm’s CEO, Brad Garlinghouse, commented on the matter, explaining that heightened market activity gives scammers ample opportunity to steal people’s money and has advised users to be extra cautious during these periods.
“Like clockwork, with success and market rallies, scammers ramp up their attacks on the crypto community,” Garlinghouse warned.
XRP Scam Streams| Source: YouTube.
YouTube is currently hosting multiple livestreams of Brad Garlinghouse giving speeches — but they’re AI-generated deepfakes.
It all seems convincing — until the fake Garlinghouse suddenly talks about a so-called “XRP doubling event,” which he claims is “not a marketing stunt.” The scene is clumsily edited with noticeable cuts.
In these videos, Garlinghouse appears in a video window alongside a QR code that links to a fraudulent website, accompanied by instructions on how to “participate” — essentially a trap to steal your XRP tokens
Brad Garlinghouse Deepfake. | Source: YouTube.
This isn’t XRP’s first run-in with YouTube scams. Back in 2020, Ripple sued YouTube for failing to curb fraudulent content and even alleged the platform profited from ad revenue placed on these scam videos.
Ripple described YouTube’s inaction as “deliberate” and claimed it caused “irreparable” harm to the brand and Garlinghouse’s reputation. The two parties settled privately in 2021.
Safety First
Crypto scams have been raking in billions in 2025. As per Chainalysis research, over $2.17 billion has been lost to scams so far this year.
In addition, AI deepfake scams saw around $4.6 billion in losses throughout 2024. Fraudsters tend to rise up during special calendar events, holiday seasons, and bull markets to take advantage of the hype.
Even if the source seems credible, double-check everything. Ask yourself:
Does it sound too good to be true?
Is there a countdown or time pressure?
Are you being asked to send money upfront?
If so, it’s almost certainly a scam.
Manipulation
Scammers often use social engineering tactics like phishing emails and posing as well-known people, celebrities, or a trustworthy entity, reaching out to let you know there’s a new way to make more money.
No real and reputable company, business, or person, either in or outside of crypto, will contact you directly with an irresistible offer, like doubling your tokens.
Ask a Friend
If something still feels off, ask someone you trust to take a second look. A fresh pair of eyes could save you from a costly mistake.
Scams and frauds are only going to intensify in the next bull cycle — stay sharp.
Eddie is a gaming and crypto writer at CCN. Covering the often weird and wonderful world of Web3 with an adoring, but skeptical eye.
Prior to CCN, Eddie has spent the past seven years working his way through the crypto, finance, and technology industry. He began with PR and journalism with Bitcoin PR Buzz and BitcoinNews.com, eventually working his way to become a copywriter with a dozen firms, including the likes of Polkadot before returning to journalism in 2023.
Having studied Radio production and journalism at University in the UK, Eddie spent a few years making podcasts and presenting on a local London radio station as he built up his writing chops.
A lifelong skateboarder, Eddie can often be found at the skatepark or touring the streets looking for something new to try. That, or kicking back playing JRPGs on his original PSP.
