Brad Garlinghouse’s Deepfake Double: “Send XRP or I’ll Sigh More!” 😅

If you think you’re watching a livestream of Brad Garlinghouse promising to double your XRP, you might want to check if your cat hasn’t knocked over the keyboard again. Or maybe it’s just another deepfake scam—because nothing says “trust” like a CGI Brad Garlinghouse sighing dramatically. 🤖💸

Ripple, the company that’s basically crypto’s version of a stubborn toddler refusing to take no for an answer, has issued a PSA about scammers hijacking YouTube accounts to impersonate them. Because why trust real humans when you can trust a digital Brad Garlinghouse who also has a suspiciously perfect tan? 🌞

Ripple’s CEO is now being deepfaked so aggressively on YouTube, one might think he’s auditioning for a role in a crypto-themed horror movie.
crypto.news found livestreams using recycled Brad Garlinghouse footage, because nothing says “urgency” like a 2018 clip of him saying “XRP is amazing” played on loop.
Scammers typically use altered videos and AI-generated voiceovers to trick victims into sending crypto. Because who needs a passport when you can fake a voice? 🎭

Ripple’s recent X post read like a modern-day “This Is Spinal Tap” warning: “🚨PSA: We’ve noticed an uptick of XRP scams on @YouTube – scammers are stealing accounts and then updating the page to impersonate Ripple’s official account (username: @Ripple). Reminder: Ripple or our execs will NEVER ask you to send us XRP.”

🚨PSA: We’ve noticed an uptick of XRP scams on @YouTube – scammers are stealing accounts and then updating the page to impersonate Ripple’s official account (username: @Ripple). Reminder: Ripple or our execs will NEVER ask you to send us XRP.
Our official accounts are listed…
— Ripple (@Ripple) July 23, 2025

According to Ripple, scammers are hacking YouTube channels, slapping on Ripple’s branding, and pretending to give away XRP like it’s free coffee during a recession. 🏷️

What are these deepfake scams, and how do they operate?

For those unaware, deepfake scams are basically the crypto version of “The Art of the Deal” but with more AI and fewer handshake deals. They use AI-generated videos to impersonate crypto execs, like Brad Garlinghouse giving a TED Talk about how XRP is the future of your retirement fund. 🏦

Scammers claim Ripple is hosting a “limited-time opportunity” to double your XRP. Because nothing says “opportunity” like a QR code that leads to a phishing site. 🕵️‍♂️

The schemes often include fake timestamps, manipulated transaction logs, and QR codes that link to websites that look like they were designed in 1999. 🕰️

At press time, crypto.news found two YouTube channels livestreaming deepfaked versions of Garlinghouse using recycled video content. Because why create new content when you can just loop a clip of him saying “XRP is amazing”? 🔄

Both streams featured on-screen QR codes, overlays mimicking Ripple’s branding, and AI-generated voiceovers urging viewers to participate in a “giveaway event.” The channels had more than 20,000 viewers each. Because 20,000 people willing to send crypto to a random wallet is just a small town’s worth of trust. 🏘️

Has Ripple or its executives been targeted before?

Yes, this is not the first time Ripple or its executives have been used in scams. Garlinghouse has previously appeared in a deepfake scam video that circulated widely among XRP holders, falsely promoting another doubling scheme. Because why trust a real Brad when you can trust a Brad who also has a suspiciously perfect hairline? 💁‍♂️

Ripple has consistently warned that neither the company nor its executives will ever ask users to send cryptocurrency. But hey, if you want to send crypto to a fake Brad, go ahead—just don’t expect a thank-you note. 📧

Why is Ripple a recurring target for impersonation?

Ripple’s high-profile legal battles, mainstream recognition, and large, vocal community make it a consistent target for impersonators. Plus, XRP’s 40% surge in the past month has made it the crypto equivalent of a glitter bomb—everyone wants a piece of it. ✨

Scammers exploit bullish sentiment like it’s a buffet line. And let’s be honest, who wouldn’t want to capitalize on a 40% surge? 🚀

Garlinghouse himself warned that market rallies often coincide with an uptick in scam activity, stating, “Like clockwork, with success and market rallies, scammers ramp up their attacks.” Because nothing says “success” like a swarm of fake Brad Garlinghouses. 🕰️

Unfortunately, scammers also look beyond Ripple when it comes to defrauding investors. Over the years, several major personalities and brands have been targets of scammers. Because why stop at crypto when you can deepfake Tim Cook into giving away iPhones? 📱

For instance, Apple CEO Tim Cook was impersonated in a livestream scam coinciding with the iPhone “Glowtime” event in September 2024. Over 355,000 people viewed the video, which used a manipulated interview clip to promote a fake crypto giveaway. Because why trust Apple when you can trust a deepfake Tim Cook? 🍎

Elon Musk, SpaceX, Vitalik Buterin, and even Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak have all been targeted by similar campaigns, many of which were broadcast through YouTube and other social platforms. Because why trust reality when you can trust a deepfake? 🌐

Meanwhile, in 2023, well-followed YouTuber DidYouKnowGaming lost control of his channel, which was repurposed to promote an XRP giveaway scam before YouTube intervened. Because even YouTubers need a break from crypto scams. 🎮

Has YouTube done anything to stop these scams?

Ripple previously sued YouTube in 2020 over its failure to act against impersonation and fraud, accusing the platform of profiting from the activity. However, the case was dropped in March 2021 after both parties reached an undisclosed agreement to work together against fraudulent content. Because nothing says “trust” like a legal settlement. 🤝

However, the recurrence of similar scams in 2023, 2024, and now 2025 raises questions about the platform’s ability to enforce protections consistently. Because if YouTube can’t stop scams, what’s next? A deepfake of a YouTube moderator saying, “This content is safe”? 🤷‍♂️

YouTube has yet to issue a formal response to the current wave of Ripple-related scams, despite multiple reports from users and affected parties. Past statements have urged users to report videos using the platform’s flagging tools, but victims argue that enforcement is inconsistent and often too slow to prevent financial losses. Because nothing says “customer service” like a 24-hour response time. 🕒

As previously reported by crypto.news, former Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao echoed similar concerns last month after reports emerged of Zoom-based phishing attacks using deepfake video calls. Because why trust a video call when you can trust a deepfake? 🎥

Last year, a report from Bitget estimated that at least $79 billion in crypto losses were the result of deepfake scams between 2022 and 2024. Because nothing says “investment” like losing 79 billion. 💸

2025-07-24 11:18

What are these deepfake scams, and how do they operate?

Has Ripple or its executives been targeted before?

Why is Ripple a recurring target for impersonation?

Has YouTube done anything to stop these scams?

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