The XRP community is facing a fresh wave of crypto scams, fueled by an AI-generated deepfake video featuring Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse. This fabricated footage falsely claims that Ripple is launching a massive XRP rewards program to celebrate its recent lawsuit victory against the SEC. The video has spread rapidly across social media, duping unsuspecting users into believing a fake 100 million XRP airdrop is underway.
Ripple CTO David Schwartz stepped in to address the situation head-on. In a decisive post on X, he declared, “Obvious scam is obvious. It’s an AI-generated fake,” warning the community not to fall prey to the deceptive clip. His statement underscored growing concerns over scammers exploiting positive market sentiment.
The timing of the scam couldn’t be more calculated. XRP has been experiencing a major surge, climbing 16% in just 24 hours to reach $3.62. Excitement is mounting as Ripple edges closer to a potential settlement with the SEC. Many investors, analysts, and influencers, including Black Swan Capitalist co-founder Versan Aljarrah, have been voicing bullish outlooks for XRP, contributing to the euphoric atmosphere scammers are now hijacking.
The deepfake video capitalizes on this optimism with a scripted message purportedly from Garlinghouse, stating:
“Four years ago, we entered a battle we didn’t choose. But we fought and won against the SEC… I’m launching Ripple rewards program. 100 million XRP airdrop was created for you.”
This emotionally charged message was designed to resonate with loyal XRP holders who have stood by Ripple through its years-long legal battle.
Unfortunately, this isn’t the first time Ripple’s legal milestones have triggered scam activity. Past victories have consistently been followed by an uptick in phishing attacks, fake news, and misleading videos targeting the XRP community. In August 2024, after Judge Analisa Torres ordered the SEC to pay a reduced penalty of $125 million far below its initial $2 billion demand, scammers flooded platforms with fraudulent airdrop schemes.
Ripple responded by issuing a firm warning:
“Please beware of scam ‘Ripple’ accounts, fake executive profiles, and others promoting ‘XRP Giveaways’ or ‘XRP Airdrops.’ Ripple and its executives will NEVER ask you to send funds anywhere.”
Similarly, in July 2023, Ripple’s partial courtroom success declaring XRP not a security led to another spike in scam content. Schwartz publicly debunked these efforts at the time, stating there were no legitimate giveaways or promotions tied to the ruling.
These recurring scams serve as a stark reminder that as XRP’s visibility and value grow, so do the risks. The community is urged to stay vigilant, avoid clicking suspicious links, and only trust official Ripple communication channels.
In crypto, excitement can be contagious, but caution should always be your closest ally.
