TLDR
- XRP scams surged after the token hit $3.66, its highest price since 2018.
- Scammers are using hacked YouTube accounts and deepfake videos of Brad Garlinghouse.
- Ripple confirms it never asks users to send XRP or join giveaways.
- Crypto scams reached $2.1 billion in the first half of 2025, surpassing 2022 losses.
As XRP reaches new price highs and draws investor interest, a wave of scams is targeting unsuspecting users across social media platforms.
Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse has warned that bad actors are exploiting the surge in activity to impersonate official Ripple accounts.
These scams are growing fast and include the use of deepfake videos and hacked YouTube channels to promote fake XRP giveaways.
Garlinghouse Warns of Fake XRP Giveaways Using Deepfake Videos
Brad Garlinghouse has issued a warning to XRP holders, urging caution over a growing number of fake investment schemes. In a recent post on X, he said scammers are stealing YouTube accounts and updating them to mimic Ripple’s official channels.
These altered accounts are then used to promote false XRP giveaway events.
One common trick involves deepfake videos of Garlinghouse, edited to appear as if he is offering free XRP. These videos are often very convincing and may show Garlinghouse encouraging viewers to send XRP in exchange for higher returns.
Ripple has confirmed that it never requests XRP from users and does not run such promotions.
Like clockwork, with success and market rallies, scammers ramp up their attacks on the crypto community — PLEASE BEWARE of the latest scam targeting the XRP family on @YouTube and impersonating @Ripple’s official account! We will keep reporting these – please do the same.
— Brad Garlinghouse (@bgarlinghouse) July 23, 2025
According to the company, these scams often resurface during times of market growth. With XRP recently peaking at $3.66, fraudsters have increased their efforts. Ripple also noted that fake accounts are using official-looking images and stolen branding to add credibility to their schemes.
Victims are urged to verify any claims through Ripple’s official website and X account before taking action.
Previous Lawsuit Against YouTube and Ongoing Fraud Concerns
Ripple previously took legal action against YouTube in 2020 over similar impersonation schemes. The company accused the platform of failing to act on fraudulent content that was harming XRP investors.
That case was later resolved through a confidential agreement. However, similar tactics have now reappeared, with new methods and more advanced video manipulation technology.
The company’s anti-fraud team continues to remove scam content and issue public warnings. Ripple CTO David Schwartz also shared warnings about a fake 100 million XRP giveaway circulating on YouTube.
He confirmed that criminals were once again using Garlinghouse’s deepfaked image and voice in the scheme.
A report from a cybersecurity firm in 2021 revealed that nearly 78% of crypto scams involved impersonation. Around 22% were linked to fake giveaways. The total cost of such frauds that year was estimated at $1.7 billion. As XRP gains more attention, similar scams are becoming more widespread.
Scam Surge Coincides With XRP Price Rally and SEC Case Developments
The spike in fraudulent activity comes at a time of renewed interest in XRP. The token recently reached its highest value since 2018. Analysts have suggested that this momentum could lead to more price increases, though it has also drawn more scammers into the space.
The ongoing legal battle between Ripple and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is also driving attention. Ripple is facing allegations of unregistered securities sales worth $1.3 billion. A proposed $50 million settlement was recently reported, with key filings due by August 15, 2025.
Garlinghouse said that scammers are taking advantage of these headlines. “Like clockwork, with success and market rallies, scammers ramp up their attacks on the crypto community,” he wrote on X.
Ripple continues to advise users not to trust anyone offering XRP giveaways and to report any suspicious behavior through official channels.
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