Recent observations indicate that Ripple has issued a warning regarding a surge of fraudulent activities targeting those investing in XRP on prominent platforms like YouTube.
XRP has recently surpassed its previous record high of $3.61, elevating its market capitalization to over $200 billion. This recent success has unfortunately attracted a multitude of scammers looking to exploit unsuspecting holders.
These scammers have been taking over existing YouTube channels, rebranding them with official logos, and promoting fake promises of “doubling your XRP” through dubious giveaways. Victims are tricked into sending their coins, only to realize they will never return.
Social Media Scams: A Billion-Dollar Problem
From 2021 to 2023, fraudulent activities on social media platforms have resulted in losses close to $3 billion for users worldwide. Of that staggering figure, around $2.5 billion is directly attributable to “deep fakes” — schemes involving impersonation through video.
The alarming numbers underscore the risks associated with trusting content that mimics established branding. Scammers adeptly capitalize on the emotional highs surrounding XRP’s price rallies, making users more susceptible to clicking on seemingly legitimate logos and links.
In light of the rising success and market hype, scammers are increasing their attempts to deceive the crypto community. Please remain vigilant regarding the latest scams directed at the XRP community on @YouTube that are masquerading as @Ripple’s official account. We will continue to report these incidents — do your part and stay informed.
— Brad Garlinghouse (@bgarlinghouse) July 23, 2025
The Surge in XRP Scams
Scammers are relentlessly exploiting every price increase. Following XRP’s rise above $3.50, numerous cloned YouTube channels sprang to life.
These fraudulent channels often boast promises of matching or doubling deposits sent to their wallets. They cleverly edit together real footage from Ripple events to create the illusion of authenticity.
By adopting fake names and profile images in the style of Ripple, they mislead victims into believing they’re engaging with the genuine company.
Innovative Tactics: Deepfakes and Sponsored Ads
Reports suggest that scammers are escalating their tactics. They are not only leveraging social engineering strategies but also utilizing real interviews with actual Ripple team members.
These impostors may overlay manipulated voice-overs and fabricated on-screen text to entice viewers into sending XRP for non-existent giveaways. Some even invest in targeted ads on platforms like Facebook and Instagram to disseminate their fraudulent messages more widely.
When one channel is flagged for removal, several more reappear almost immediately, as the scammers thrive on a rapidly changing landscape.
Community Vigilance and Executive Action
Meanwhile, Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse continues to emphasize the need for caution, especially during periods of market growth.
He has highlighted that fake giveaways and phishing schemes tend to emerge whenever there is significant media coverage of XRP. His consistent message stresses that the evolution of scams parallels the fast-paced crypto market, and that users need to become adept at recognizing potential dangers.
Safety Measures and Community Awareness
To protect themselves, users should avoid sending any cryptocurrency upfront in hopes of receiving a reward. It’s vital to verify the names and URLs of channels against those listed on Ripple’s official website.
Implementing two-factor authentication for YouTube, email, and exchange accounts is recommended. If you encounter dubious posts or advertisements, report them immediately — and alert others in community forums to help prevent further victimization.
Image credits to Unsplash, chart sourced from TradingView
