YouTube Live Deepfakes: The Latest Trend in Crypto Scams
YouTube Live broadcasts are being misused for hours on end to promote crypto scams using advanced deepfake technology. Recently, scam artists used a deepfake of tech billionaire Elon Musk to trick people.
The Latest Incident: Deepfake of Elon Musk
This latest scam involved a video supposedly from a Tesla event, featuring a deepfake of Elon Musk. Using AI-generated variants of his voice, the video instructed viewers to visit a webpage and make bitcoin deposits to participate in a giveaway. The promise was to double their investment, making it seem like a lucrative opportunity.
A Staggering Reach
Almost 30,000 viewers tuned into the stream, pushing it to the top of YouTube's Live Now recommendations. This rapid rise in viewership showed how convincing these deepfakes can be. The account that uploaded the video appeared authentic, complete with verification badges and other details.
Swift Action and Rising Concerns
Both the videos and the channel were promptly deleted after people reached out to Google. However, experts have noted an alarming rise in deepfake scams, particularly involving well-known personalities like Elon Musk.
For example, a recent scam used clips from SpaceX events, especially when they were showcasing their Starship satellite system. Scammers use a similar approach, luring people into making cryptocurrency deposits.
Celebrities Also Targeted
Crypto scams targeting Elon Musk’s followers on social media are not new. Other celebrities, such as 50 Cent, have also been targeted. These scams have resulted in significant monetary losses, highlighting a rising trend of exploiting famous personalities to trick unsuspecting followers.
The Continuation of a Dangerous Trend
Reports indicate these scams continue to surface, with many livestreams published on platforms like Reddit. The sophistication of these operations makes it crucial for viewers to be extra careful.
Experts advise always double-checking the authenticity of such giveaways and offers. Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Stay safe and always verify from official sources.
